Workplace Retaliation Lawyer Serves Delaware, Montgomery, Chester and Philadelphia Counties
Pennsylvania attorney pursues compensation for workers mistreated by their employer
Employees should not be afraid to call out improper behavior at work or to utilize the laws that have been enacted to benefit them. However, there are cases where workers are punished on the job or even fired because their bosses resent what they have done. At The Pagano Law Firm, LLC, you can speak with a Radnor employer retaliation lawyer who understands the legal protections that exist for Pennsylvania workers. We represent employees and companies in matters where unlawful workplace retaliation is alleged.
What constitutes retaliation by a PA employer?
Though Pennsylvania businesses have the legal ability to fire workers for almost any reason, or no reason at all, a dismissal cannot be grounded in retaliation for the employee exercising their workplace rights. If you think you were terminated or suffered another type of adverse action on the job because you reported some improper action, it is time to contact an experienced employment lawyer. The Pagano Law Firm, LLC litigates workplace retaliation claims on behalf of employees and businesses throughout Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Chester Counties.
Why employers might retaliate
Managers and companies sometimes try to intimidate employees who file a workplace discrimination or sexual harassment claim. In other cases, individuals are targeted because they seek the pay they’ve earned or the benefits they’re due under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)or Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Union organizers and whistleblowers who report fraud or unethical workplace conduct to a higher level of the company or a government authority also frequently face retaliation.
Examples of retaliation in the workplace
There are numerous ways in which an employer might try to strike back against an employee who reported their misconduct, such as:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Reduction in hours or pay
- Unwelcome work schedule changes
- Reassignment to a new job or less desirable workplace duties
- Denial of benefits
- Harassment
- Unwarranted disciplinary actions
When confronted with a retaliation claim, businesses sometimes try to come up with an innocent explanation for their adverse action against a whistleblowing employee. The Pagano Law Firm, LLC knows how to investigate these situations and get to the truth.
Common challenges in proving retaliation
Several different forms of evidence could be used to demonstrate that a claimant is the victim of unlawful retaliation. A supervisor might have directly stated that the employee was demoted or had their hours cut because they lodged a complaint about sexual harassment. In matters where an employer is accused of discriminating against a certain legally protected group, an employee could show that some or all of the workers from that group suffered following a report. There might even be formal or informal policies in place that would discourage a reasonable person from raising an issue about on-the-job misconduct.
Remedies available to workplace retaliation victims in Pennsylvania
The type of remedy a successful retaliation claimant collects depends on many factors, including the specific nature of the mistreatment. A fired whistleblower might get their job back with back pay for the period in which the were out of work. Compensation for the effect of an unjust firing on future earnings might also be provided. Someone who was demoted for retaliatory reasons could have their position restored. Claimants might also be eligible for damages to address the effect of the retaliation on their physical and emotional health, with punitive damages being available in egregious cases.
Speak with a Pennsylvania employment lawyer regarding a retaliation claim
The Pagano Law Firm, LLC represents parties in Pennsylvania cases where employees allege that they have been victimized by unlawful workplace retaliation. For a consultation about your situation and legal options, please call 484-318-2561 or contact us online. Our office is in Radnor.
