Whether you are just at the start of blowing the whistle or have experienced retaliation; as a result, it’s imperative to at least consult with a whistleblower lawyer, victims recommend. Taking steps towards exposing your employer for corruption or illegal activities is incredibly challenging, and it can become especially complicated when you experience adverse actions. Although retaliating against a person for engaging in a protected employee activity is illegal, it’s possible to take legal action with help from a lawyer. Filing an EEOC complaint can help hold employers accountable. Taking legal action with help from Eric Siegel Law can play a significant role in building a case that allows the victim to gain damages for their losses.
Filing an EEOC Complaint
As mentioned, retaliation is a protected employee activity that is illegal. Retaliation can be profoundly impactful for those who experience it. Not only can mistreatment be emotionally challenging, but victims may also experience financial impacts. When an employer mistreats an employee after blowing the whistle by taking adverse actions like firing, demotion, cutting hours, isolating, etc., retaliation is a culprit. While this behavior should not be tolerated, it can be challenging for victims to know what first steps should be taken. Consulting with a whistleblower lawyer Washington, DC, victims rely on is the most appropriate way to start. They will share that victims should initiate the process by filing a complaint with the EEOC before taking legal action. The EEOC is a branch of the federal government charged with managing claims of retaliation. When filing a complaint with the EEOC, the victim must prove that they were engaged in a protected employee act, experienced adverse action and that the mistreatment was retaliation. If the EEOC cannot resolve the dispute, it may be possible to take legal action with a lawyer.
Seeking Damages Through Legal Action
Damages in legal cases often come in monetary forms and are a way of repairing the harm that has been done to a victim. While nothing can change the events that have occurred for victims, it’s possible to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. The losses for a retaliation claim are those that someone has experienced as a result of the retaliatory actions of their employer. A lawyer can play an imperative role in the process of not only building the case but also in valuing the damages. It may be possible to recover damages such as:
- Lost Pay: that can result from demotion, reduced hours, or job loss
- Loss of Benefits: such as loss of medical benefits and 401k contributions
- Pain and Suffering: due to emotional harm or physical pain
Any legal case can be incredibly stressful to manage, especially after experiencing harmful treatment in the workplace. Because of this, one of the best steps that victims can take for themselves is to initiate the process by searching for an experienced lawyer to represent them by:
- Conducting a basic Internet search
- Asking other lawyers for recommendations
- Requesting client referrals from prospective lawyers
- Preparing for a consultation with evidence and case questions
- Scheduling consultations with prospective lawyers
By taking the time to research area lawyers, you can be sure that you have chosen the right lawyer with the ability to provide a strategic review to protect clients’ rights. To learn more about the representation we offer, contact Eric Siegel Law.