Doing the right thing should never cost you your job. When it does, that’s retaliation, and it’s against the law.
When a company or management finds themselves in trouble for unlawful activity, discriminatory behaviors, or other wrongdoing, it is not uncommon for them to blame the employee who reported the incident. Should your employer discipline you, deny you a raise, reassign your job, lay you off or wrongfully terminate you for reporting, you may have grounds for an employer retaliation lawsuit.
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE TYPES OF EMPLOYER MISCONDUCT EMPLOYEES REPORT:
- Corporate tax fraud
- Discrimination in the workplace
- Harassment or discrimination
- Violation of industry regulations
- Being denied breaks, time off or leave
- The hiring of illegal aliens
- Paying workers ‘under the table’
- Violating health and safety laws
- Failing to pay minimum wage, commissions or overtime wages
The actions of your employer may also be considered unlawful retaliation if you only raised your concerns about work-related issues (public safety, unlawful discrimination, failure to properly pay wages and other workplace violations) with your co-workers.
Although Florida is an ‘at-will’ state, as an employee, you still cannot be fired by your employer for reporting activities that are illegal under state and federal law.
RETALIATION COMES IN MANY FORMS
Retaliatory behaviors by an employer are not always clear and easy to identify. While discharge is the most common form of retaliation, various forms of disciplinary actions can also be considered retaliation including negative performance reviews, being overlooked for a promotion or being denied a raise.
EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE EMPLOYER RETALIATION:
- You were laid off from your job after you complained about working conditions or how your boss was treating you.
- Your spouse, a friend or family member was terminated after it was learned you reported illegal company activity.
- Your position was suddenly eliminated after you took a necessary medical leave, family leave or participated in jury duty.
- Your hours were reduced after you complained about harassment or discrimination in the workplace.
- You were passed over for a promotion after you reported disability discrimination due to your mental or physical disability.
- You received a negative employee review after you refused to lie to a government agency, during an internal investigation or during audit.
If you are unsure whether your employer’s actions constitute unlawful retaliation, talk to us.
Free Confidential Consultation Provided in Our Office or By Phone.
Meet Our Knowledgeable Retaliation Attorneys
45+ years of combined litigation and negotiation experience