Help For Victims Of Employer Retaliation
Federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination and wrongful termination by an employer are well-known, but few employees are aware of laws that prevent employers from retaliating against an employee who reports wrongdoing.
Workplace retaliation can play out in a number of ways, including:
- Unfounded negative job reviews
- Demotion or being passed over for promotion
- Changing an employee’s work shift or job responsibilities
- Reducing a worker’s salary
- Anything that discurages a reasonable person from reporting unlawful discrimination
- Wrongful termination
It is important to report discrimination to your employer in writing, so you can prove later that you made the report. Retaliating against you for reporting workplace discrimination is illegal.
Workplace retaliation lawyer Robert B. Landry III PLC, in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, we represent victims of workplace retaliation. We understand how intimidating it can be to file a claim against your current employer. After all, you rely on your continued employment to pay your bills and feed your family. If you have reported unlawful activity or participated in a workplace investigation, we can help you protect your rights and livelihood.
We Know How to Build a Strong Case
Feeling the pain of workplace retaliation is one thing; proving that your employer’s negative actions are in response to steps that you took can be difficult. It is critical to retain legal counsel from an experienced employment law attorney who understands the nuances of workplace retaliation and how to prove it.
Mr. Landry has more than 14 years of employment law experience at one of New Orleans’ largest and longest-standing corporate law firms. Now, he focuses on advocating for the individual employee who is on the “other side” of these cases.
He understands how companies defend against retaliation and other discrimination claims because he led the teams that put those strategies together. He knows what documents are effective in proving a retaliation claim.
During his corporate law career, Mr. Landry earned a reputation as a lawyer who was able to resolve a number of disputes without litigating, primarily due to his thorough preparation and understanding of each case.
He brings that same ability to negotiate effectively to his work with employment law plaintiffs. However, our firm does not settle for less than full and fair compensation for our clients. We vet our cases thoroughly and prepare meticulously so that we are always ready to advocate aggressively in court if an agreement cannot be reached through negotiations.
What Do I Need to Prove in a Workplace Retaliation Case?
To show that your employer retaliated against you, your New Orleans employment lawyer will introduce evidence that you (1) engaged in protected activity; and (2) your employer took adverse employment action against you as a result. Protected activity may include filing a complaint about illegal or unethical conduct, participating in an investigation, refusing to follow illegal orders, or requesting an accommodation for a disability. An adverse employment action may include anything that negatively affects your job, including being fired, demoted, or having your shift changed.
If you believe that you have suffered retaliation, a skilled Baton Rouge workplace retaliation lawyer can help. Reach out to attorney Robert B. Landry III today to schedule a consultation about your claim.
I Was Fired for Standing Up for a Coworker Who Was Being Sexually Harassed. Can I Sue for Retaliation?
Objecting to illegal activity in the workplace, such as sexual harassment, is considered protected activity. Even if you did not experience discrimination or harassment yourself, if you intervened, complained about, or otherwise took action when someone else was being discriminated against or harassed, it qualifies as protected activity. If your employer then fired you (or took another adverse action against you) for standing up for a coworker – even if you did not file a formal complaint – then you could file a retaliation claim against them.
A workplace retaliation lawyer in New Orleans can help you determine whether you have a viable claim against your employer. Contact Robert B. Landry III, PLC to schedule an appointment with a member of our team about your employment retaliation claim.
How Common is Workplace Retaliation?
According to data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency charged with handling violations of federal employment laws, retaliation is the most frequently-filed type of employment law claim. In 2020, 37,632 claims were filed with the EEOC – representing 55.8% of all claims filed with the agency.
These statistics show that employers often take action against employees who stand up for themselves or who speak out against violations of the law. If you have experienced unlawful treatment at your job, reach out to a New Orleans workplace retaliation attorney to schedule a consultation.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get for a Retaliation Claim?
In a retaliation claim, you will typically be asking for financial compensation or damages. To recover damages, you will have to show that you suffered an actual loss. Examples of losses may include reduced pay from a demotion, lost wages if you were fired, or even medical expenses that would have been covered by your insurance if you hadn’t been terminated.
The value of your retaliation case depends on a number of factors, including what adverse action was taken or how much money you make. An experienced workplace retaliation lawyer in New Orleans will gather evidence to put together a strong claim for damages – and will fight to help you achieve justice.
We Can Answer Your Questions Regarding Workplace Retaliation
If you believe you are a victim of workplace retaliation or you have concerns about your employer taking action against you if you report a wrongdoing, contact us to schedule a consultation.
We can answer your questions, review the facts of your case and recommend the best steps to take. We work with clients in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, and throughout central and southern Louisiana.