That includes filing a complaint about discrimination or harassment, participating in an investigation, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or taking leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for engaging in any of these activities.

For example, if an employee files a complaint about wage theft and is subsequently demoted or fired without good cause, that would be considered illegal retaliation. An employer may not take any adverse action against an employee simply because they exercised their right to speak out about something they felt was wrong or unjust.

In general, if you feel you are being punished for doing something that you believe is right — such as reporting harassment — you may be the victim of retaliation.

WHAT IS A RETALIATION LAWSUIT?

This type of lawsuit is typically brought when an employer takes action against an employee in response to their filing of a discrimination claim or engaging in any other activity that is protected under the law. For example, if an employee files a complaint about unequal pay with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and gets fired, this could be grounds for filing a retaliation lawsuit.

HOW DO YOU WIN A RETALIATION LAWSUIT?

To win a retaliation lawsuit, you must prove that your employer took some kind of negative action against you because of your protected characteristic or activities related to it. That means that you will need to show evidence of this illegal behavior. Your workplace retaliation attorney will work with you to build your case and present compelling evidence to support your claims in court. Additionally, they will help guide you through the process of filing the necessary paperwork and navigating the court system as efficiently as possible.

HOW CAN I PROVE RETALIATION?

If you suspect that your employer has retaliated against you for engaging in a protected activity, there are several steps that you can take to prove your case.

UNDERSTAND YOUR RIGHTS

The first step to winning any workplace retaliation lawsuit is understanding your rights. It’s important that you familiarize yourself with the laws in your state to determine if you have a valid case against your employer. The law provides protections for employees who have been subject to unfair treatment as a result of their employer’s retaliatory actions.

FIND AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY

Once you understand your rights and believe that you have been treated illegally by your employer, it’s time to find an experienced attorney to help you file a claim against them. A lawyer will be able to assess the strength of your case and advise on the best course of action for seeking justice from the courts. An employment retaliation attorney will also know how to navigate the legal system and represent your interests in court proceedings so that you can get the best outcome possible from the case.

GATHER EVIDENCE

For your lawsuit to be successful, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible before filing a claim against your employer. That includes documenting any instances of workplace retaliation or harassment that may have occurred in the past and providing copies of relevant documents, such as emails or memos sent by supervisors or managers, that demonstrate their behavior. Additionally, speak with any witnesses who may be able to corroborate your story and provide testimony during court proceedings if necessary.

HOW MUCH IS A RETALIATION LAWSUIT WORTH?

When calculating damages for a retaliation lawsuit, there are several things to consider. A retaliation lawyer will look at lost wages (including potential future lost wages), emotional distress caused by the employer’s actions, attorney fees, and other costs associated with filing the lawsuit, and more.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the court finds that the employer acted with malice in their treatment of an employee whose rights they violated. In addition to these tangible damages, courts may also award intangible damages such as pain and suffering caused by the employer’s actions.

WHAT OTHER FACTORS INFLUENCE THE AMOUNT WON IN A RETALIATION LAWSUIT?

The amount awarded in a retaliation lawsuit varies from case to case, as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The amount won depends on several factors, including the severity of the employer’s retaliatory action and whether it resulted in any financial losses.

It’s also important to consider the size of your employer when calculating potential damages. Generally speaking, larger employers tend to face higher fines and more punitive damages than smaller employers do. This is because larger employers typically have deeper pockets and greater resources than smaller companies do; thus, they can afford to pay more money in damages than smaller businesses can.

It’s also worth noting that if your employer has been found guilty of retaliating against multiple employees or engaging in systemic retaliation against its workers, it may face even steeper fines and higher damages than it otherwise would have faced if only one person were affected by its retaliatory behavior.

To determine how much you might receive from a successful retaliation lawsuit, consult with an attorney who specializes in this area of law so you can make an informed decision about filing a legal complaint against your employer for workplace retaliation.

CONTACT GOMEZ TRIAL ATTORNEYS FOR HELP WITH YOUR RETALIATION CLAIM

Retaliation in the workplace is a severe problem that should not be tolerated — but it happens more often than we would like to think. If you believe you have been retaliated against, it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. If you’re looking for a workplace retaliation attorney, contact Gomez Trial Attorneys today for a free consultation by calling 866-TRIAL LAW (866-874-2552) or contacting us online.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Review: 5/5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The team at this firm is phenomenal. From John, all the way down to the staff, everyone is a pleasure to work with and be around. They are fighting for the right cause and to help people.”

Review by: Irving P.
August 2020