Employee Rights
Retaliation
Protecting Whistleblowers and Individuals Facing Retaliation
It is illegal for an employer to punish you for standing up for your rights. At Michael Yerzinkyan Law, we represent employees throughout Southern and Central California who have been fired, demoted, disciplined, or otherwise mistreated after engaging in activity the law protects.
California law prohibits retaliation under several statutes, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the California Labor Code. Protected activity includes reporting or opposing discrimination or harassment, requesting a reasonable accommodation, taking protected medical or family leave, filing or supporting a wage claim, reporting unsafe working conditions, and disclosing suspected legal violations. To prove retaliation, an employee generally must show they engaged in protected activity, suffered an adverse employment action, and that there is a causal link between the two, often shown through timing and shifting employer explanations. Employers are not allowed to build a pretext to disguise retaliation, and our attorneys work to expose the true motive behind the adverse action.
Employees who prove unlawful retaliation may recover a substantial measure of damages, including lost wages and benefits (back pay and front pay), compensation for emotional distress, and, where the employer acted with malice or oppression, punitive damages. Reinstatement, statutory penalties, and recovery of attorney’s fees and costs may also be available. Michael Yerzinkyan Law offers a free, confidential consultation to help you understand your rights and hold your employer accountable.
If you need any help, please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you within 1 business day. Or if you’re in a hurry, just call us now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as illegal retaliation in the workplace?
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in protected activity, such as reporting discrimination or harassment, filing a complaint, or participating in an investigation. Michael Yerzinkyan Law can help determine if adverse actions taken against you were unlawful retaliation.
What are examples of retaliatory actions by an employer?
Retaliation can include termination, demotion, pay cuts, negative performance reviews, or a sudden hostile shift in treatment following a protected complaint. Michael Yerzinkyan Law reviews the timeline and circumstances of your case to identify retaliatory conduct.
How long do I have to file a retaliation claim?
Deadlines depend on the type of claim and the agency involved, and can range from a few months to a few years. Contacting Michael Yerzinkyan Law promptly helps protect your rights and preserve important evidence.
What should I do if I believe I'm experiencing retaliation?
Document the protected activity you engaged in and keep records of any adverse treatment that followed. Consulting Michael Yerzinkyan Law promptly can help protect your rights and evaluate your legal options.