Memphis Retaliation Lawyer

Experienced Memphis Retaliation Attorneys Ready to Assist You

Donati Law, PLLC is well-versed in handling workplace retaliation claims on behalf of employees. Our Memphis employment law lawyers have been a part of successful, landmark retaliation cases at the U.S. Supreme Court and Tennessee Supreme Court. Retaliation generally takes the form of a termination, demotion, or harassment. But even a lateral reassignment can be retaliation if the reassignment impacts your eligibility for promotions or advancement. Various federal and state laws provide employees protection from retaliation by their employer as long as the employee has engaged in conduct protected by the law.

Protected Conduct: Understanding Your Rights

• Opposing workplace discrimination against you or another employee
• Assisting an investigation of discrimination
• Refusing to engage in conduct you believe to be unlawful
• Asking your employer about your legal rights
• Taking protected medical leave
• Requesting accommodations for a disability
• Associating with other people of a certain race, sex, national origin, or religion, or otherwise exercising your rights under the law

Facing workplace retaliation? Protect your rights! Contact us today at (901) 209-5500 for a confidential consultation.

What Are the Rights of Employees?

Employees also have the right to organize without employer retaliation. This right includes the right to join or assist labor unions, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other activities for mutual aid or protection. If you "blow the whistle" on an employer's illegal activity, you may also have whistleblower protection. A number of state and federal statutes include anti-retaliation protection for individuals who report violations of the law. In some cases, the law rewards individuals who blow the whistle on illegal activity.

Understanding Workplace Retaliation

Workplace retaliation happens when an employer punishes an employee for exercising their legal rights. This can occur after an employee reports discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions.

Retaliation can take many forms, including:

• Termination or demotion – Being fired or moved to a lower position without cause.
• Pay cuts or reduced hours – Losing wages or hours for no legitimate reason.
• Unjustified negative performance reviews – Receiving poor evaluations despite good work.
• Exclusion from workplace opportunities – Being left out of important meetings, projects, or promotions.
• Hostile work environment – Facing increased scrutiny, intimidation, or mistreatment.

Employees should recognize retaliation early and take action before the situation worsens.

How to Prove Retaliation

To file a strong retaliation claim, employees must gather evidence that connects their employer’s actions to their protected activity.

Key types of evidence include:

• Timeline of events – Document when you engaged in protected activity and when retaliation began.
• Emails and messages – Keep copies of written communication related to the retaliation.
• Performance records – Compare past positive reviews with sudden negative feedback.
• Witness statements – Colleagues who observed changes in your treatment can support your case.
• Official complaints – Copies of any reports you made to HR or government agencies.

Employers often deny retaliation, so having clear documentation strengthens your case.

Legal Protections Against Retaliation