Fresno Retaliation Lawyer

Fighting Against Unlawful Workplace Retaliation

In the state of California, employment is considered "at-will," allowing employers to terminate employees without providing an explanation. However, certain circumstances provide protection to employees against termination or any other form of retaliation from their employers.

It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who file a complaint of discrimination or harassment with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). California state law also prohibits retaliation against employees who seek assistance from an employment lawyer.

Furthermore, federal law safeguards employees from retaliation in the following situations:

• Refusing to participate in illegal activities
• Serving in the armed forces reserves
• Requesting overtime pay or additional benefits

At Polaris Law Group, we understand how difficult it can be when you experience retaliation in the workplace. We are a full-service employment law firm providing legal assistance to those who have been wrongfully retaliated against.

If you have become a victim of workplace retaliation, it is crucial not to handle your case alone. Reach out to our Fresno retaliation attorneys today.

Understanding Employer Retaliation

Retaliation refers to any negative action taken against an employee who has engaged in a legally protected act. It also covers employees who file a complaint, act as whistleblowers, or assist in investigations conducted by the Fair Employment and Housing Commission (FEHC) or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

While some forms of retaliation are apparent, identifying covert forms can be challenging. Employers who engage in retaliation may create a hostile work environment to force an employee to resign.

Examples of employer retaliation include:

• Negative performance reviews
• Being denied raises, promotions, or desired assignments
• Exclusion from staff meetings
• Salary or wage reduction
• Forcing an employee to work a more demanding job without a suitable pay raise
• Requiring an employee to relocate against their wishes or denying a desired relocation
• Termination of employment

Retaliation commonly occurs when an employee reports workplace discrimination or sexual harassment. If you have reported such actions, seeking legal advice from a retaliation attorney in Fresno is crucial.

Proving Employer Retaliation

If you believe you are experiencing retaliation, it is important to inform your supervisor, HR department, and/or business owner in writing. Keep a copy of your email or letter for your records. This allows the employer an opportunity to explain the behavior while providing evidence for your case.

If the retaliation persists, your attorney can utilize this documentation to build a strong case against your employer. It is helpful to provide records of your treatment prior to the retaliation, such as positive performance reviews, for comparison.

To prove an employer retaliation case, you must establish the following:

• You engaged in a protected activity
• You experienced a negative employment action
• There is a link between the protected activity and the negative employment action

Recovering Damages Through a Retaliation Lawsuit

If your case is successful, you may be entitled to recover various damages.

Potential damages in a retaliation case include:

• Lost wages and back pay
• Lost benefits
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

At Polaris Law Group, Attorney Bill Marder remains up to date with changes in employment law. With over 25 years of experience in employment legal issues, Attorney Marder has secured multi-million-dollar compensations for clients.

For additional information, contact our law firm at (888) 796-4010 today! Consultations with our Fresno retaliation attorney are FREE.