The Official Injury Attorneys of the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco Retaliation for Complaints Lawyer
Any job applicant, employee, or former employee who suffers or suffered retaliation for filing a complaint in California may be able to seek a remedy with help from an attorney. Workers in San Francisco are protected against all forms of retaliation resulting from their decision to engage in any protected activities or to exercise their rights in any way under state or federal law. Retaliation for making a complaint about discrimination or any unlawful employment practice is unlawful, and it is necessary to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact our experienced San Francisco retaliation for complaints lawyer today to find out more about how we can assist you.
Defining Retaliation in San Francisco Employment
What does it mean when an individual experiences retaliation for complaints? According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, retaliation “occurs when an employee engages in an activity protected by law and then suffers an adverse employment action as a result of that protected activity.” Protected activities are wide ranging, and may include but are not limited to:
- Filing a discrimination complaint;
- Participating in an investigation or proceeding arising out of a discrimination complaint;
- Reporting health or safety violations in the workplace;
- Taking leave under one of California’s paid leave laws or under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA);
- Requesting a reasonable accommodation for a disability;
- Requesting a religious accommodation;
- Reporting a wage and hour law violation; and/or
- Whistleblowing.
California state laws, as well as various federal laws, are in place to protect employees. When employers are not in compliance with those laws — from laws prohibiting discrimination to those designed to ensure the health and safety of workplaces — employees should feel comfortable filing complaints and should not have to worry about retaliation. When an employer does retaliate for an employee’s decision to file a complaint, it is critical for the employee to file a retaliation claim.
What Does Retaliation for Complaints in San Francisco Look Like?
When an employer retaliates against an employee for filing a complaint, what forms can the retaliation take? According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, adverse actions that constitute retaliation can be quite varied. They “may include such things as discharge, demotion, suspension, reduction in pay or hours, refusal to hire or promote, immigration related threats, and other adverse employment actions.”
If you filed a formal complaint, or even made an informal complaint to your employer about any workplace matter involving discrimination or a violation of an existing law, it is important to have an attorney assess your case. Given that retaliation for complaints can look very different from case to case, you will want to have an experienced advocate determine whether you have likely experienced unlawful retaliation and may be eligible to file a claim.
Contact the San Francisco Retaliation for Complaints Lawyers at Venardi Zurada LLP Today
Retaliation for complaints can have devastating consequences for employees who are merely exercising their rights and following the law. If you have any questions about filing a retaliation claim or need help, the attorneys at Venardi Zurada LLP are here to assist you. Contact our experienced San Francisco retaliation for complaints lawyer today to find out more about your rights and your options under California law.
