Irvine Workplace Retaliation Lawyer

Irvine Workplace Retaliation Attorney

Getting fired or facing other workplace reprimands is difficult to deal with. When these actions are an act of unfair retaliation, it gets even harder. Every year, people across California face workplace retaliation for a variety of reasons. It’s something you never want to tackle without the help of an Irvine workplace retaliation lawyer.

Retaliation cases are complex and require a trained legal eye to sift through the right information. A lawyer from Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP, can provide invaluable assistance in tackling your case.

Reasons to Work With Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP

For decades, our firm has helped clients in the Orange County area with retaliation cases and other employment discrimination. At our office right across from John Wayne Airport, we prioritize professionalism and responsiveness for all our clients. We are skilled in employment law, and we’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of these types of cases.

Whether you’re a part-time worker at Irvine Lanes or nearing retirement from Sonesta Irvine, we have the experience needed to support your case. Having an Irvine workplace retaliation attorney on your side helps make the process easier and less intimidating for you.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation encompasses a multitude of negative actions employers take against employees in response to protected employee actions. Retaliation is illegal, so if you think you’re experiencing retaliation in the workplace, it’s important to advocate for your rights.

California workplace retaliation laws are thorough and complicated, but retaliation is also one of the most common types of workplace complaints. In 2023, 39.2% of legal cases filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) were on the basis of retaliation, the most for any basis listed.

When you engage in a protected employee action, you are legally protected from employer retaliation. One of the most common protected actions that receives retaliation is reporting discrimination due to a disability, with 1,978 EEOC charges in California related to disability discrimination in 2024. More examples of protected actions include:

• Filing an EEOC or Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) charge, complaint, or legal case
• Serving as a witness in an employment law case
• Filing a whistleblower complaint
• Addressing issues of workplace harassment or discrimination with your employer
• Resisting unwanted sexual advances in the workplace
• Refusing to complete tasks that may be illegal or discriminatory

If you have done any of these things and you believe your employer has retaliated directly because of your actions, you may have a reason for a retaliation complaint. The next step would be to hire a workplace retaliation lawyer in Irvine to get further advice on your case.

Examples of Retaliatory Actions

Although unjust termination is a common form of retaliation against employees, it isn’t the only one. Even if you haven’t been fired, you might have still experienced illegal retaliation. The following are other ways employers might retaliate:

• Pay cuts
• Demotions
• Unfair performance reviews after the event
• Verbal or even physical abuse
• Creating a hostile or unfair work environment

Understand that not all of these actions are inherently illegal. They become illegal when an employer does them to retaliate against an employee for engaging in a protected activity.

For example, an employee who refuses to participate in discriminatory conduct may be protected under state and federal employment laws. If their employer decides to take disciplinary action against them, such as a poor performance review or pay cut, as a direct result of the refusal, the employer’s actions may be considered unlawful retaliation. If anything like this happened to you, you very likely have a workplace retaliation case.

Why Should I Hire a Workplace Retaliation Lawyer?

The employment landscape in the United States is uncertain and difficult right now, with 1.9 million people being laid off or discharged as of October 2025. If you are experiencing workplace retaliation or unjust termination, you want to do everything you can to support yourself and maintain your job security.

As mentioned before, workplace retaliation cases are difficult to navigate, and they can vary significantly from case to case. Having trained legal help on your side means you can be more certain about what path to take. This can also help you get the maximum settlement or outcome you are entitled to.

A local lawyer from our firm can go over your case to determine its strengths and weaknesses, help you collect evidence to support your claim, and ensure you take every available opportunity to get justice.

FAQs About Irvine, CA Workplace Retaliation Laws

How Much Is a Retaliation Claim Worth in California?

The exact value of a retaliation claim in California heavily depends on the circumstances surrounding the case, such as whether you were fired from your job or demoted. Each workplace retaliation case is unique and will have different aspects that determine its value. To determine the potential value of your case, reach out to our firm for a consultation.

Can I Take Legal Action Against My Employer for Retaliation in Irvine?

Yes, you can take legal action against your employer for retaliation in Irvine. Most retaliation cases are typically first reported to California’s Labor Commissioner’s Office. Their Retaliation Complaint Investigation Unit can investigate the claim and determine what action should be taken. In some cases, though, a civil claim can be filed, or an agency like the EEOC can file a case.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Retaliation Case?

For a retaliation case, three pieces of evidence are typically needed. First, you must prove you engaged in a protected employee activity. Then, you must show that your employer retaliated with a negative employment action. Lastly, and most importantly, you must be able to prove that the employer’s action was motivated by your protected activity.

How Hard Is It to Win a Retaliation Case in California?

Winning a retaliation case in California isn’t very difficult with the proper evidence. Retaliation cases are often tricky because they require proof of causation as well as actions that can be interpreted in different ways. In every case, hiring legal help makes it easier for you to approach the case with more knowledge and advocacy on your side.

Contact Our Irvine Workplace Retaliation Attorney

If you think you’ve experienced workplace retaliation, don’t hesitate to get legal aid so you can file your complaint or civil claim. Reach out to Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can support you in your legal journey.