Jan 16, 2018

Employer Retaliation – What You Need to Know

In a broad legal definition, employer retaliation refers to negative employment
actions taken against an employee for participating in protected activities.
It is strictly prohibited. For example, if a worker is injured on the
job and files a workers’ compensation claim (which is a protected
activity), it would be considered retaliation for the employer to fire
him or her as a result.

Employer retaliation does not just incude firing a worker. It also involves:

  • Demoting
  • Passing over for a promotion
  • Cutting wages
  • Harassing
  • Excluding from certain benefits
  • Filing unwarranted disciplinary actions

All of these actions are illegal if they are used against you simply because
you took part in a protected activity. Filing a workers’ compensation
claim, filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC), whistleblowing on illegal activities of the company, and participating
in union activities or other forms of self-expression are all protected
actions. This means you have legal protection from retaliation if you
participate in these activities.

However, it is important to note that you may still be fired, demoted,
or disciplined for other reasons, such as misconduct or poor performance.
As long as your employer does not single you out or treat you differently
because you took part in a protected activity, you may still be subject
to discipline and other negative employment actions. Furthermore, your
employer is not legally required to keep your job position open if you
are unable to work because of an injury. If you will be out on workers’
compensation for a number of months or years, your employer may have to
replace you to keep the company going.

Seek Justice by Filing an Employer Retaliation Claim

If you have been a victim of employer retaliation, you have the right to
file a lawsuit against your employer. Your employer may claim that the
actions were not based on retaliation. Thus, it is necessary to show that
you suffered negative employment actions because you engaged in a protected
activity. Suspicious timing, written statements showing a retaliatory
motive, and other documentation may be used to support your claim in court.

Under the EEOC regulations, there are 3 general remedies you may be entitled to:

  • Preliminary relief. The EEOC may file a claim for temporary or permanent relief while the case
    is being processed. This would result in the court ordering the retaliation to stop.
  • Compensatory and punitive damages. Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to financial compensation
    in order to punish your employer.
  • Other relief. This may include reinstatement into a job, back pay, or front pay. The
    employer may also have to change the policies and procedures of the company,
    provide regular managerial training, make reports to the EEOC, and perform
    other duties to enforce compliance.

If You Have Suffered Employer Retaliation, Our Firm Can Help

Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys has more than 20 years of
legal experience. We are passionate about defending the rights of workers.
If you have suffered employer discrimination or have sustained an on-the-job
injury, our team of
Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys will handle the paperwork and guide you through the process.

Contact our firm
today to discuss your case with one of our experienced lawyers in a free
consultation.