Dedicated West Chester Lawyers For Workplace Retaliation Claims

Standing up for what is right should not lead to punishment. Unfortunately, some employers may retaliate against those who report illegal or discriminatory practices or assert their legal rights. If you find yourself facing negative consequences at your workplace after these protected activities, know that you have rights and options available to you. 

Our workplace retaliation lawyers at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, are committed to protecting employees and advocating for their rights throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. With decades of combined legal experience as trial lawyers and former prosecutors, we bring an aggressive and meticulous approach to every retaliation claim.

Understanding Workplace Retaliation Under Pennsylvania Law

Both state and federal laws protect you from being punished by your employer when you engage in certain acts to oppose illegal practices or assert your rights. These “protected activities” often include:

• Speaking up about discrimination or harassment: This means filing a complaint about unfair treatment at work based on things such as your race, gender, age, disability or religion
• Taking part in investigations: This includes cooperating with your company’s internal investigations or participating in formal inquiries by government agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)
• Asking for accommodations or taking protected time off: For example, requesting changes at work because of a disability or religious belief, or taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Reporting workplace safety hazards or wage and hour violations: Such as alerting management or authorities about unsafe working conditions, or filing a complaint about issues with minimum wage or overtime pay
• Exercising other legal rights: This covers actions such as filing for workers’ compensation after an injury, seeking unemployment benefits, talking with coworkers about wages and working conditions or reporting your employer for other illegal practices

A wide range of actions on your employer’s or management’s end can constitute illegal retaliation. This includes being fired without a valid reason, getting demoted or suddenly receiving unfair poor performance reviews. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand your options and making sure your employer answers for their illegal conduct.

What To Do After Facing Retaliation At The Workplace

If you believe your employer is punishing you for a protected activity, taking action right away may be crucial to protect your rights. Consider the following:

• Keep a detailed record of the incidents: Write down everything that happens. Note the dates, times and specific details of the retaliatory behavior, as well as the names of any witnesses. Save all relevant documents, such as emails, text messages, performance reviews and internal notes. Keeping a thorough record is extremely important should you decide to file a claim or take legal action.
• File an internal complaint: If your company has a way to report discrimination or retaliation, it’s wise to go through this process first. This creates an official record of your complaint within the company and gives them a chance to fix the problem.
• Seek legal advice: Contact an experienced workplace retaliation lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys can review your specific situation, explain your rights and options and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

If your internal complaint doesn’t lead to a resolution or the retaliation continues, then you may need to file a claim with either the EEOC or the PHRC. These government agencies often work together, meaning if you file with one, it usually counts as filing with the other. It’s crucial to act quickly because there are strict deadlines for filing these complaints, often within 180 days from when the last retaliatory act happened. Our attorneys will guide you through every step of this process.

Take Action Against Workplace Retaliation: Call Us Today

If you suspect you’ve faced retaliation at work, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. Know that you don’t have to face the process alone. Our workplace retaliation lawyers are prepared to provide clarity on your situation and advocate for you, whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or representing you in court. Contact our West Chester office at 610-314-7066 or send a message through our contact page to arrange a consultation and discuss your case.