Los Angeles is a busy city with a lot of industries, from entertainment to technology. It’s no surprise that workplaces here are competitive and fast-paced discrimination. Many people work in different fields in LA—from film crews in the entertainment industry to nurses in hospitals, teachers in schools, hospitality staff for tourists, and lawyers and government employees in the legal world.
With so many workplaces packed into one city, discrimination can go on, and when you do speak about it, retaliation can follow. Most times, it can be hard to tell if someone is just being tough or if they are punishing you for standing up for yourself.
As soon as you suspect that you might be facing retaliation, you should talk to the best Los Angeles discrimination lawyer without hesitation. You might not have an idea of how these situations play out, but they do, and they can help you protect your rights and fight for compensation if need be.
However, even before you hire a lawyer, there are things you need to do on your own to build your case and make sure you are standing up for yourself the right way.
Discover insights in this related post crafted to spark your curiosity today.
What is Retaliation?
Retaliation is when your boss or the company does something negative to you just because you complained about discrimination or harassment. It is not about random bad days or someone just being strict. It is about actions taken to punish you because you spoke up.
The law will stand by you if you start getting retaliated against after doing a protected activity. Protected activity includes things like filing a complaint with HR, being a witness in someone else’s case, asking your boss about unfair pay, or resisting sexual advances.
Even if you are just talking to your manager about unfair treatment without using big legal words, you are still protected.
But once you do that, sometimes the employer might start treating you differently in a bad way. They might suddenly lower your performance review, or move you to a job you do not want, or even start yelling at you. That is retaliation.
How to Deal with Retaliation at Work
Here are ways to deal with retaliation at work:
Document the Retaliation Extensively
The first and most important step is to write everything down. Do not just rely on memory. Every time something unfair happens, make a note of the date, the time, where it happened, what was said or done, and who saw it.
Keep copies of emails, texts, memos, or anything in writing that shows how you are being treated. If your boss gives you a bad performance review after you complained, keep a copy of that, too. If coworkers heard your boss say something threatening, write down their names because they could be witnesses later.
Report the Retaliation Inside Your Company
After you have some documentation, the next step is usually to report what is happening through your company’s system. Most companies in Los Angeles have HR departments, and they often have rules in the employee handbook about reporting discrimination and retaliation.
Stay Professional Even When It’s Hard
When you are dealing with retaliation, no matter how difficult it might be to keep your emotions in check, do not post angry things on social media about your boss. Do not yell back, even if they are being unfair.
If you stay professional, then the company cannot say that they punished you for bad behavior. They will have no excuse. If you lose your temper or stop doing your work, they might try to say that’s why they treated you badly. Do not give them that chance.
Get Legal Help
If the retaliation keeps happening or if HR does not fix the problem, your next step should be to hire a lawyer to take things to the next step.
All the notes, emails, and documents you’ve compiled will be assessed by the lawyer you hire, and they will tell you if you have a strong case. They can explain what your options are, like filing a complaint with the EEOC or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). They can also negotiate with your employer or even file a lawsuit if necessary.
Most importantly, a lawyer can stand up for you when it feels like the company is too big or too powerful.
Key Takeaways
- Retaliation is when your boss or company punishes you for reporting discrimination.
- Always document everything like a detective. Keep notes, emails, and witness names.
- Report retaliation to HR or through your company’s official process.
- Stay professional so the company cannot blame your behavior.
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