Why Choose Us Over Other Workplace Retaliation Lawyers in San Diego?
At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we have recovered tens of millions for our clients, helping them secure justice and compensation. Our San Diego workplace retaliation attorneys take a hands-on approach to ensure every case gets the attention it deserves.
Another benefit is that we work on a contingency fee basis—if we don’t win, you don’t pay a fee. But with a 99.7% success rate and 85+ years of combined experience in handling various legal cases, we’re confident we can help you fight back against workplace retaliation.
Eugene Bruno & Associates | San Diego Workplace Retaliation Law Firm
- Our law firm offers a free initial case consultation.
- Our law firm has a 99.7% success rate, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
- Our attorneys have over 85 years of combined legal experience.
- Firm founder and lead attorney Eugene Bruno is part of National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Do You Have a Workplace Retaliation Claim?
If your employer has taken adverse action against you for engaging in a legally protected activity, you may have a retaliation claim. Common forms of retaliation include demotion, wrongful termination, or workplace harassment. Our San Diego retaliation lawyers can help determine if you have a valid workplace retaliation case.
Elements of a Workplace Retaliation Claim
If you want to prove workplace retaliation, you generally need to establish that you engaged in a legally protected activity, such as reporting illegal conduct, filing a complaint, or refusing to participate in unlawful activity. Next, you must show that your employer took adverse action against you, such as firing, demotion, pay reduction, or harassment. Finally, there must be a clear connection between your protected activity and the adverse action taken against you.
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as workplace retaliation, call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free case evaluation.
I fight to level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies that routinely deny claims or make ‘low ball’ settlement offers. I am tough, battle tested, and trusted.” – Amir M. Shoar
Types of Workplace Retaliation
Workplace retaliation can take many forms. Below are some common examples employees may face:
- Wrongful termination: Employers may fire an employee in direct response to the employee reporting misconduct in the workplace, even though such reports are legally protected.
- Demotion or pay reduction: Some employees find themselves reassigned to lower-paying positions or stripped of responsibilities as a way for employers to punish them.
- Hostile work environment: Retaliation can take the form of creating an unbearable workplace, which makes it difficult for an employee to perform their job.
- Unfair disciplinary actions: Employees who assert their rights may suddenly receive unwarranted write-ups or disciplinary actions that were not previously an issue.
- Change in job duties: Some employers retaliate by reassigning employees to undesirable tasks or reducing their responsibilities to make their work life difficult.
What Damages Can You Recover in California for a Workplace Retaliation Case?
If you have suffered workplace retaliation, you may be entitled to compensation, which includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover financial losses such as lost wages, lost benefits—including health insurance and retirement contributions—and out-of-pocket costs associated with retaliation, like job search expenses or relocation costs. On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate for emotional distress and mental anguish caused by retaliation, damage to professional reputation, and loss of job satisfaction.
Our experienced San Diego retaliation attorneys will assess your case to determine the full extent of damages you may be entitled to recover.
Common Scenarios of Retaliation in the Workplace
If you’ve faced any of the following scenarios as an employee, you may have a workplace retaliation case:
- Fired after reporting wage theft: An employer retaliates against an employee who demands fair wages by terminating their employment, even though wage theft complaints are legally protected.
- Receiving negative performance reviews after filing a harassment complaint: Employers may attempt to justify termination by creating a paper trail of poor performance following a harassment report.
- Reassigned to less desirable positions after whistleblowing: Some employers, rather than firing whistleblowers outright, make their work life unbearable by assigning them undesirable tasks or removing important job responsibilities.
- Exclusion from meetings and projects: Employees who report wrongdoing may find themselves left out of important meetings, training, or work projects, limiting their career growth.
- Increased scrutiny or micromanagement: Employers may begin excessively monitoring an employee’s work to build a case for disciplinary action or termination, making their work environment hostile and stressful.
What Are Your Legal Rights as a California Employee?
California has some of the strongest worker protection laws in the country. If you believe you have been retaliated against, you are protected under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which prohibits discrimination and retaliation.
Additionally, California Labor Code Section 1102.5 provides protection for whistleblowers, ensuring that employees who report legal violations are safeguarded against employer retaliation.
Federal protections also exist under Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, which help employees challenge wrongful employer actions.
How a San Diego Workplace Retaliation Attorney Can Help
Our San Diego workplace retaliation attorneys provide comprehensive legal assistance to employees facing workplace retaliation.
- We begin by investigating your claim, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses to build a strong case.
- We’ll review key documentation, such as emails, performance reviews, and HR complaints, to establish a pattern of retaliation.
- We handle all communications with your employer, ensuring your rights are protected while negotiating settlements to seek fair compensation.
- If necessary, we are fully prepared to represent you in court, fighting aggressively to secure justice.
Typical Process for Workplace Retaliation Cases in California
Understanding the legal process can help employees navigate their workplace retaliation claims more effectively. Below is a step-by-step overview of how these cases typically proceed:
- Free consultation: The first step is to speak with an attorney to evaluate your case and understand your legal rights.
- Investigation stage: Your lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review documents to build a strong case.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a resolution cannot be reached, your attorney will formally file a lawsuit against the employer.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange relevant information, including documents and witness testimonies, to build their arguments.
- Negotiating a settlement: Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, where your lawyer will work to obtain fair compensation for you.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
Importance of Strong Evidence in Workplace Retaliation Cases
One of the most critical aspects of any workplace retaliation case is having strong evidence. Your attorney will collect most of the evidence necessary to build a compelling case, including documentation, emails, performance reviews, and witness statements.
Our San Diego workplace retaliation lawyers will ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered and properly presented. By leveraging key California labor laws, employment retaliation statutes, and wrongful termination protections, we work to establish a clear link between employer misconduct and adverse workplace actions.
Let’s discuss your case at no charge—call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688).
Don’t Wait: The Statute of Limitations for Workplace Retaliation in California
California law sets strict deadlines for filing a retaliation claim. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of retaliation claim. For example, with FEHA claims, employees have three years from the date of the retaliatory action to file a claim. Whistleblower claims under California Labor Code 1102.5 must also be filed within three years.
On the other hand, federal EEO claims require filing within 180 days with the EEOC, though this can be extended to 300 days if state laws also apply.
It’s important to contact a qualified law firm immediately to ensure your case is filed on time, as missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
Professional and, Most Importantly […] Truly Honest
[Eugene Bruno] called me right away and thoroughly explained the process. He was professional and, most importantly, he was truly honest. He patiently answered every question I had and was SUPER nice. I highly recommend this attorney and I’ll definitely be referring my friends to him.
– Stephanie McKinney-Overstreet (5-Star Google Review)
Eugene Bruno & Associates […] Got Me What I Deserve
Eugene Bruno & Associates really helped me through a hard time in my life and got me what I deserve. I recommend him to anyone I come across [in need of] a personal injury attorney.
– Krispy Moses (5-Star Google Review)
Eugene Bruno […] Came Through with Everything He Had Explained to Me
After dealing with two other lawyers (I hired & fired) […] I got a chance to speak with Eugene Bruno personally about my situation; without going into a very long story, he helped me tremendously. He came through with everything he had explained to me. I am very happy (and grateful) for everything he has done for me.
– Anthony Trujillo (5-Star Google Review)
Other Locations We Serve Near San Diego
- Carlsbad
- Chula Vista
- Clairemont
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Mission Valley
- Oceanside
Contact Our Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you believe you’ve experienced workplace retaliation, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact Eugene Bruno & Associates today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for your free case evaluation.
