Los Angeles Retaliation Attorney

Employees who believe they have been retaliated against have the right to seek justice. To discuss your situation and legal options, contact Aegis Law Firm by calling (949) 379-6250 or messaging us online to arrange a free consultation. 

Why Choose Aegis Law Firm?

Having graduated from top law schools and worked at some of the nation’s most prestigious firms, our Los Angeles Retaliation Attorney can offer the high-caliber legal services typically reserved for large corporations. In addition:

• We recognize the unique challenges of each case and provide support throughout the legal process. 
• We offer unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. 
• We build personal relationships with clients based on trust.
• We have a proven track record of outstanding results in retaliation cases.  

Why Do Employers Retaliate Against Workers?

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer or superior takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in legally protected activities. Employers may retaliate against workers for various reasons, often stemming from a desire to maintain control, avoid scrutiny, or prevent the disclosure of unethical or illegal practices. Here are some common motivations behind employer retaliation:

• Filing Complaints: When an employee reports discrimination, harassment, or other illegal activities to HR, supervisors, or external agencies.
• Participating in Investigations: When an employee cooperates with investigations into workplace misconduct, either as a witness or a complainant.
• Requesting Accommodations: When an employee asks for accommodations for disabilities or religious practices, even though they are reasonable.
• Whistleblowing: When an employee exposes unethical or illegal practices within the organization to regulatory bodies or the public. In this case, a Los Angeles whistleblowing attorney can help.

Forms of Retaliation 

Workplace retaliation can take many forms, but here are some common ones:

Termination

The most direct and severe form of retaliation is firing the employee after engaging in a protected activity.

Demotion

This involves lowering the employee’s position, which often comes with a decrease in pay, responsibilities, or both.

Unfavorable Work Assignments

Employees may be reassigned to less desirable tasks or projects, often outside their area of expertise or interest. They might also be excluded from important meetings, decision-making processes, or team activities.

Negative Performance Reviews

Employers might unjustly criticize the employee, giving poor performance evaluations without legitimate reasons, impacting their career progression and salary increases.

Disciplinary Actions

This can include unwarranted warnings, whether written or verbal, for trivial or fabricated reasons, as well as suspensions where the employee is temporarily suspended without pay or with reduced pay.

Reduction in Pay or Hours

Retaliation might take the form of reducing the employee’s salary or hourly wage without justification or cutting the number of hours the employee is scheduled to work, affecting their income.

Harassment and Hostile Work Environment

Retaliatory harassment can involve verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation. It creates an environment that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive to the employee, making it difficult for them to perform their duties.

Negative Changes in Benefits

Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or other perks may be reduced or revoked. 

Unwarranted Transfers

Employees might be relocated to a different location far from their home. Alternatively, their shift schedule might be changed to less desirable times, such as nights or weekends, without a valid reason.

Increased Scrutiny and Micromanagement

Employers might retaliate by excessively monitoring the employee’s work or behavior, creating an oppressive work environment. They might also set unreasonable expectations, setting unattainable goals or deadlines to set the employee up for failure.

Exclusion from Opportunities

Employees might be denied access to training programs, professional development opportunities, or certifications. 

Threats and Intimidation

Verbal threats, such as threatening the employee with job loss, legal action, or other negative consequences if they do not withdraw their complaint or cease protected activities. An employer might also initiate unwarranted investigations into the employee’s conduct or performance as a form of intimidation. Los Angeles hostile workplace victims can and should pursue legal action.

Can You Secure Compensation for These Cases?

Employees who have experienced retaliation can seek various forms of relief through legal avenues. The specific compensation and remedies available will depend on the nature of the retaliation, the impact on the employee, and the applicable laws. Here are some potential forms of compensation and remedies that may be available in a retaliation claim:

Back Pay

• Lost Wages: Compensation for the wages and benefits you would have earned if the retaliation had not occurred. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.
• Interest: You may also be entitled to interest on the back pay amount from the time it was due until it is paid.

Reinstatement

In some cases, the court may order the employer to reinstate you to your former position or an equivalent one if applicable, including restoring seniority, benefits, and other employment terms.

Front Pay

If reinstatement is not feasible or desirable, the court may award front pay, which covers the wages and benefits you would have earned in the future had they remained employed.

Compensatory Damages

• Emotional Distress: Compensation for emotional pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the retaliation.
• Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for medical expenses incurred as a result of the retaliation, such as therapy or counseling costs.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the employer’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, the court may award punitive damages to punish them and deter future misconduct.

Attorney’s Fees and Costs

Employees who prevail in a retaliation claim may be entitled to recover their attorney’s fees and litigation costs from the employer.

Injunctive Relief

• Policy Changes: The court may order the employer to implement changes to their policies and practices to prevent future retaliation.
• Training Programs: Employers may be required to provide training for managers and employees on anti-retaliation policies and compliance with employment laws.

How Can an Attorney Help?

A Los Angeles Retaliation Lawyer can play a crucial role in helping you navigate the complexities of a retaliation claim. An experienced attorney will provide:

Case Evaluation

Assessing the facts of your case to determine if you have a valid retaliation claim.

Evidence Gathering

Collecting and preserving evidence, such as emails, performance reviews, and witness statements, to support your claim.

Legal Guidance

Advising you on your rights and the best course of action to take in your specific situation.

Filing Complaints

Assisting you in filing complaints with the appropriate agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or state labor departments.

Negotiation and Mediation

Engaging in negotiations with your employer to seek a fair settlement without the need for litigation.

Litigation

Representing you in court if a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved through other means.

Overall, hiring a Los Angeles Retaliation Lawyer significantly increases your chances of a successful claim. With their knowledge and experience, you are better equipped to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

Contact Us Today

If you are facing workplace retaliation, do not navigate this challenging situation alone. Contact Aegis Law Firm today to schedule a confidential and free consultation with our Los Angeles Retaliation Lawyer. Let us help you take the first step toward a fair and just resolution.