Santa Rosa Retaliation Lawyers

Protecting Employees’ Rights

At Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, we stand up for employees who have been unfairly targeted by their employers for asserting their rights. Workplace retaliation is not just unfair—it’s illegal. If you’ve faced adverse treatment at work after reporting misconduct, filing a complaint, or participating in a workplace investigation, you may have a strong retaliation claim. Our experienced Santa Rosa retaliation attorneys are here to help you fight back and seek justice.

Contact us today at (707) 405-7391 for a free case evaluation.

What is Employer Retaliation?

Employer retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activities. These activities may include reporting discrimination, harassment, or illegal company practices, as well as participating in workplace investigations or refusing to partake in unlawful actions. Retaliation can take many forms, from termination and demotion to subtle workplace harassment that creates a hostile environment.

If you suspect you are a victim of workplace retaliation, consulting an experienced Santa Rosa retaliation attorney at Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, can help you understand your legal options.

Common Types of Retaliation

Retaliation in the workplace can manifest in several ways, including but not limited to:

• Wrongful Termination – Losing your job shortly after engaging in protected activity can be a clear sign of retaliation.
• Demotion or Pay Reduction – An unjustified demotion, a cut in pay, or a change in job responsibilities meant to punish you is unlawful.
• Workplace Harassment – Increased scrutiny, bullying, exclusion, or negative performance reviews without justification can all indicate retaliation.
• Shift or Schedule Changes – Unwarranted schedule changes that disrupt your work-life balance may be a form of retaliation.
• Loss of Benefits or Opportunities – Being denied promotions, raises, training, or other professional development opportunities due to whistleblowing or complaints is illegal.
• Negative Employment References – If your employer provides false or misleading references to damage your future job prospects, it may constitute retaliation.

California & Federal Retaliation Laws

Employees in California are protected from workplace retaliation under both federal and state laws. Key legal provisions include:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Protects employees from retaliation after reporting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – Prohibits employer retaliation against employees who report discrimination or harassment.
• California Whistleblower Protection Act – Protects employees who report violations of state or federal law to a government agency or law enforcement.
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) – Protects employees from retaliation for reporting workplace safety violations.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Provides protection to employees in publicly traded companies who report fraudulent activities.

These laws are in place to ensure employees feel safe speaking out against workplace misconduct without fear of retaliation. If your employer has violated these protections, Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, can help hold them accountable.

Proving a Retaliation Claim

To successfully pursue a retaliation claim, you must demonstrate:

1. You Engaged in a Protected Activity – You reported unlawful conduct, filed a complaint, or refused to participate in illegal activities.
2. Your Employer Took Adverse Action – You suffered negative employment consequences such as termination, demotion, or harassment.
3. A Connection Between the Protected Activity and the Adverse Action – A direct link must exist between your complaint and your employer’s retaliatory behavior.

What to Do If You Experience Retaliation

If you believe you are being retaliated against at work, take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Document Everything – Keep records of emails, performance reviews, conversations, and any evidence of retaliation.
2. Follow Internal Complaint Procedures – Report the retaliation to HR or upper management if possible.
3. Seek Legal Advice – Consulting a knowledgeable employment attorney early can help strengthen your case.
4. File a Complaint – Depending on the situation, you may need to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Ready to Help You Today

Retaliation claims can be complex, requiring a thorough understanding of employment law and strong legal representation. At Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, we offer:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluations – We assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action.
• Strategic Legal Representation – We develop a tailored legal strategy to maximize your chances of success.
• Aggressive Advocacy – We stand up to employers, fighting for fair compensation and justice.

For more information, contact our workplace retaliation attorneys at (707) 405-7391 or send us an email online. Request a free consultation today to get started.