Retaliation

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), retaliation claims made by employees who filed job discrimination complaints totaled 36,258 in 2010. Retaliation claims accounted for the largest share of complaints filed with the EEOC during that year.(3) If you believe you are being subjected to employer retaliation, lawyers in Palm Beach County with knowledge in employment law may be able to help.
Employers may not retaliate by firing, demoting or harassing an employee for exercising his or her employment rights.(4) Employees are protected from retaliation by employers for actions such as(5):

• Making a federal or state discrimination claim
• Cooperating with authorities in an investigation of the employer
• Filing for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits
• For joining or forming a union, or participating in union activities
• Refusing to participate in illegal activity

Proving or disproving a retaliation claim requires specific evidence. The law also specifies strict time requirements relating to a claim for retaliation. Our attorneys in Palm Beach County -- including Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Wellington -- offer legal advice and services to employees who believe they have been retaliated against at work.

The law also protects employees from retaliation for making a claim that is later dismissed. As long as an employee has a reasonable belief that an employer retaliated against him or her, a claim can be filed with the appropriate federal or state agency.(6) Florida’s Whistle-blower Act, along with federal law, protects employees from retaliation when they report their employer for suspected violations.

Employers should seek advice on how to prevent retaliation from occurring in the workplace. In Palm Beach County, retaliation lawyers can assist employers in developing a comprehensive approach to handle labor and employment issues properly. The laws regarding retaliation and other employment issues are extremely complex. A proactive approach to addressing legal issues in the workplace helps businesses avoid costs related to lawsuits and fines due to a retaliation complaint. An experienced retaliation attorney can provide advice for your organization.

Cathleen Scott & Associates, P.A. represents clients in retaliation cases in Palm Beach County, including the cities of Boca Raton, Jupiter, Wellington, West Palm Beach and other areas.