Alpharetta Lawyer Protects Employees from Retaliation After Reporting Sexual Harassment
Georgia employment attorney fights against employer retribution
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination prohibited by federal law. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act gives employees who are victims of discrimination to report the conduct and to pursue their legal rights. Unfortunately, some employees take retaliatory action against employees who rightfully complain about their mistreatment. If you are a Georgia employee who has been the victim of such retaliation, either for reporting sexual harassment or for participating in an investigation of sexual harassment, The Reddy Law Firm, P.C. in Alpharetta will fight to obtain a just remedy in your behalf.
What is retaliation after reporting sexual harassment?
When someone engages in sexual harassment in the workplace, the employee victimized by that conduct is entitled to report the harassment to the company and to appropriate government authorities. When an employee is punished for doing so, that constitutes retaliation prohibited by Title VII, even if the sexual harassment claim turns out to be meritless.
Employers may use a number of ways, both direct and subtle, to retaliate against employees, such as:
- Firing
- Demotion
- Pay cuts
- Negative performance reviews
- Exclusion from opportunities for which the employees are qualified
- Adding onerous work requirements without additional compensation
- Poorer work conditions
- Publicly-aired criticisms of the employee
- Further harassment of any kind, not just sexual
Once you consult with our firm, we can make a determination as to whether your employer’s conduct may constitute retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.
Employee rights and legal protections against retaliation
You have a right to complain about retaliation through your company’s normal process for reporting sexual harassment. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which will investigate your complaint. You may have a valid claim even if your employer claims to a legal reason for taking a detrimental job action against you, if the real reason for that action is to illegally retaliate against you. However, you will need to present evidence that demonstrates the link between your legally protected activity and the adverse employment action. For instance, you may show that you previously received consistently good performance reviews or had no prior history of being disciplined, and that the adverse action took place shortly after you complained. An experienced employment lawyer at our firm will guide you through every step of the process.
Legal remedies for retaliation victims
After the EEOC has reviewed your complaint, you may be able to file a lawsuit in federal court. As your counsel, we will have the opportunity to obtain further information or documents that support your case through the court processes known as discovery. If you prevail, you might be entitled to such remedies as:
- Reinstatement, if you were fired or demoted
- Back pay
- Future lost earnings
- Punitive damages
We will seek the maximum compensation recoverable, whether at trial or through a negotiated settlement.
Contact a Georgia attorney to fight retaliation for reporting sexual harassment
At the Reddy Law Firm, P.C., in Alpharetta we vigorously defend the rights of Georgia employees who report sexual harassment. To schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer, call us at 678-629-3246 or contact us online.