Pittsburgh Retaliation Lawyers

If your employer punished you for reporting discrimination, harassment, wage violations, safety concerns, or other unlawful conduct, you may have legal protections under federal, Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh employment laws. The Lacy Employment Law Firm in Pittsburgh helps employees understand their rights and pursue retaliation claims after engaging in legally protected workplace activities.

Pittsburgh Retaliation

Pittsburgh retaliation lawyers are highly skilled professionals who specialize in protecting the rights of employees unfairly treated by their employers. They work diligently to ensure that employees receive the justice they deserve in the workplace, ensuring that employers are held accountable for their wrongful actions. 


Whether you’ve been wrongfully terminated, denied a promotion, or retaliated against in any way, Pittsburgh retaliation lawyers are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more about the services provided by Pittsburgh retaliation lawyers and how they can help you fight for your rights.

What Is Employment Retaliation?

Employment retaliation occurs when an employer takes action against an employee for engaging in a protected activity, such as filing a complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment. The retaliation may be direct or indirect, resulting in termination, demotion, suspension, or other adverse action. 

 

Some common forms of employment retaliation include termination or demotion, transfer to a less desirable position, and unjustified low or negative performance evaluations. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for engaging in these activities and exercising their rights under state and federal law.

 

Pennsylvania law defines retaliation as any action an employer takes to punish or deter a person from engaging in legally protected activity. This includes filing a complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), speaking out against an employer’s practices, or participating in a labor union.

 

Here are some examples of retaliatory actions an employer might take:

If you believe you have been subjected to employment retaliation in Pittsburgh, it is important to contact a Pittsburgh employment lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can review your case and advise on how to proceed. With the help of a Pittsburgh employment lawyer, you can take steps to protect your rights and seek justice.

What Are the Pittsburgh Laws Regarding Retaliation?

When an employee has been retaliated against, they have a right to seek justice and compensation. In the city of Pittsburgh, multiple laws protect employees from retaliation. 

 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the workplace. This law also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for opposing discrimination.

 

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act protects employees from discrimination based on ancestry, mental and physical handicap, age, marital status, use of a guide or support animal, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This act also protects employees from retaliation if they file a complaint against their employer.

 

The Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against an employee for reporting any violations of state or federal laws.

Two people sit at a desk in Pittsburgh reviewing documents, with a gavel, a legal book titled "THE LAW," and notebooks in the foreground.

The Pittsburgh Fair Practices Ordinance makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for filing complaints about discrimination, harassment, or any other ordinance violations.

 

Employees need to contact a qualified Pittsburgh employment lawyer to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive just compensation for any form of retaliation. An experienced Pittsburgh employment lawyer can advise them on their rights and legal options.

How Do I Choose a Retaliation Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer to handle your employment retaliation case is important and should not be taken lightly. There are many different factors to consider when selecting a lawyer, and it is important to find the right fit for you. Here are some tips on how to choose a Pittsburgh retaliation lawyer:


1. Ask questions: Question the lawyer about their experience and qualifications in handling employment retaliation cases. In addition, ask them about their success rate, their strategies for success, and any other questions you may have.


2. Research: Research the lawyer’s track record and successes. Check out reviews and client testimonials to make sure the lawyer has been successful in the past.


3. Know Your Rights: Ensure you understand your rights and options for legal action against your employer.


4. Understand Fees: Understand any fees associated with the lawyer’s services so you know the upfront cost.


5. Meet In Person: Meeting with the lawyer in person is one of the best ways to get to know them and ensure they fit you.


When selecting a lawyer handling your employment retaliation case, it is important to take your time. Do your research and ask questions before making your final decision. A qualified Pittsburgh retaliation lawyer will be able to provide you with the best legal advice and guidance throughout the process.

When Are You Qualified to File a Retaliation Claim?

If you believe you are a victim of employment retaliation, it is important to understand when you are legally qualified to file a claim. The key question is whether the action taken against you directly resulted from your lawful workplace activity. It is also important to ensure that retaliatory action was done with malicious intent.

 

There must be a clear connection between the alleged retaliation and the employee’s protected activity to prove that an employer engaged in employment retaliation. If you are not sure if you qualify to file a claim, here are some examples:

If you have experienced these retaliatory actions, you may be qualified to file a claim. Retaliation lawyers can help determine if your case has enough evidence to be taken to court.

A group of business people walking down the street.

Related Employment Law Services

Retaliation claims often overlap with other employment law issues. Depending on the facts of your case, you may have additional legal claims beyond workplace retaliation.

Workplace Discrimination

Many retaliation claims arise after employees report or oppose unlawful workplace discrimination.

Workplace Harassment

Employees are protected from retaliation after reporting unlawful workplace harassment.

Wrongful Termination

Termination after engaging in protected activity may support both retaliation and wrongful termination claims.

Whistleblower Claims

Some retaliation claims involve employees who report fraud, safety violations, or other unlawful conduct protected under whistleblower laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee because the employee engaged in a legally protected activity, such as reporting discrimination, harassment, wage violations, safety concerns, or other unlawful conduct.

Protected activities may include reporting discrimination or harassment, requesting reasonable accommodations, participating in workplace investigations, filing wage and hour complaints, reporting safety violations, filing workers’ compensation claims, or engaging in other activities protected by employment laws.

Retaliation may include termination, demotion, reduced hours, disciplinary action, negative performance evaluations, unfavorable job assignments, denied promotions, or other actions that would discourage a reasonable employee from exercising their legal rights.

Evidence may include the timing of events, emails, text messages, witness statements, personnel records, disciplinary actions, and other documents showing a connection between your protected activity and your employer’s adverse action.

No. Federal and Pennsylvania employment laws generally prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report or oppose unlawful discrimination or workplace harassment.

Yes. Retaliation is not limited to termination. Other adverse employment actions, such as demotion, reduced hours, unfavorable assignments, or disciplinary measures, may also support a retaliation claim.

Filing deadlines vary depending on the applicable law and the agency handling the claim. Speaking with an employment lawyer promptly can help protect your legal rights.

Let Us Review Your Case

We take many cases on a contingency basis—so you don’t pay unless we win. Reach out and let’s see what’s possible for your situation.

What Our Clients Say

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Philadelphia | 4.8 Rating

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Pittsburgh | 4.8 Rating

VISIT OUR OFFICE