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California Workplace Retaliation Lawyer

California worker facing retaliation after reporting a complaint.

Were you punished for speaking up at work? You may have a legal claim for workplace retaliation. We’re here to fight back for you.

What Is Workplace Retaliation in California?

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer punishes you for engaging in a legally protected activity. This includes:

  • Reporting discrimination, harassment, or unsafe work conditions

  • Filing a wage or labor complaint

  • Requesting family or medical leave

  • Participating in a workplace investigation

Common Forms of Retaliation

  • Sudden termination after a complaint

  • Reduced hours or undesirable shifts

  • Demotion or reassignment

  • Negative performance reviews

  • Harassment or threats from a supervisor

Know Your Rights Under California Law

California law protects workers under Labor Code Section 1102.5 and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). These laws make it illegal to retaliate against employees for asserting their rights.

Why Bibiyan Law?

  • Decades of combined experience in California employment law
  • Proven track record of retaliation wins
  • Multilingual staff, including Spanish-speaking attorneys
  • You pay nothing unless we win your case

🧠 Learn more: Los Angeles Employment Law Lawyer

Recent Case Result

💬 A female warehouse worker was fired days after reporting sexual harassment. We recovered $175,000 in damages and helped her find new employment.

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Think you’ve been retaliated against? Contact us now for a free review.

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📍 Located in Los Angeles. Serving all of Southern California.

FAQs – Workplace Retaliation

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in a legally protected activity. This can include filing a complaint about discrimination or harassment, reporting unsafe working conditions, or participating in an investigation. Retaliatory actions can take many forms, such as termination, demotion, pay cuts, job reassignment, or creating a hostile work environment.

To prove retaliation, you need to show three key elements: (1) you engaged in a protected activity, (2) you suffered an adverse employment action (like being fired or demoted), and (3) there’s a direct connection between your protected activity and the negative action taken against you. Evidence may include emails, performance reviews, witness statements, or a clear timeline showing the retaliation followed your complaint or action.

Compensation for workplace retaliation varies based on the specifics of your case. You may be entitled to back pay, lost benefits, emotional distress damages, and sometimes punitive damages. In some cases, you may also receive compensation for attorney’s fees and court costs. An employment attorney can help estimate the potential value of your claim.

Even if you are undocumented, you are still protected under U.S. labor laws. Employers are not allowed to retaliate against any worker—documented or not—for reporting unlawful practices like discrimination, harassment, or wage violations. If you’ve faced retaliation, you may still have legal options and should speak with an attorney who understands both employment and immigration law.