Were you treated unfairly, such as being fired or demoted, after taking leave from your job in Phoenix, Arizona? You may be able to take legal action and file an employer retaliation claim. Houk Employment Attorneys can help you evaluate your legal rights and options.
Our employment law firm has 45 years of combined experience and has recovered millions of dollars for wronged employees across the state. Our Phoenix retaliation for taking leave lawyers understand how stressful it can be to stand up for your rights at work. We’ll be at your side throughout the legal process, no matter what that might entail.
Contact us today at (480) 569-2377 to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about what you should do next.
How Houk Employment Attorneys Can Help With Your Retaliation Case in Phoenix, AZ
Retaliation cases can be challenging to prove. Employers rarely admit to punishing employees for taking leave. Instead, they may try to disguise the retaliation as something like “performance issues.” An experienced employer retaliation lawyer can make the difference between an unsuccessful complaint and a winning case for justice.
When you hire Houk Employment Attorneys, our team will:
- Review your employment history and leave records
- Gather documentation showing protected leave activity
- Interview witnesses who can confirm retaliatory treatment
- Analyze company policies and prior complaints
- File claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD)
- Negotiate with your employer for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if necessary
We approach every case with thorough preparation and knowledge of how employers operate. Call our law offices in Phoenix, AZ, today to get started with a consultation.
What Laws Protect Me From Retaliation for Taking Leave in Arizona?
Most retaliation claims related to taking leave fall under two main laws: the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Arizona Employment Protection Act (AEPA).
Under the FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for certain family or medical reasons, which includes:
- Recovering from a serious health condition
- Caring for a family member with a serious illness
- Welcoming a new child
- Handling qualifying exigencies related to a family member’s military service
To qualify, your employer must have at least 50 employees within 75 miles, and you must have worked there for at least a year and logged 1,250 hours.
The law prohibits employers from interfering with FMLA rights and retaliating against employees who use them. Common examples of retaliation include:
- Laying off an employee after they return from leave
- Denying pay raises because of leave
- Reassigning an employee to a lower position
- Creating a hostile work environment
In addition, Arizona law protects workers from being terminated for exercising their rights. This means retaliation claims can also arise under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) when an employee takes leave as a reasonable accommodation.
What to Do if You Suspect Retaliation
If you believe your employer retaliated against you for taking leave, it’s important to act quickly and strategically. Evidence can fade over time, and the time limits to file claims may pass before you realize it.
Start by documenting everything. Keep records of all of your communication with your employer as best as you can. Note the timeline between your leave and any negative treatment you received as well.
Then, contact a qualified Phoenix employment lawyer. Your attorney can review the facts and circumstances of your situation and determine your best course of action from there.
You may have the right to file an administrative complaint with the EEOC or the ACRD within a limited time. A lawyer can handle this process for you and ensure your claim meets all legal requirements.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Phoenix Employer Retaliation Case?
If your employer illegally retaliated against you for taking protected leave, you may be entitled to substantial financial relief.
Depending on your case, potential compensation can include:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Emotional distress damages
- Reinstatement
- Punitive damages
- Attorney’s fees and costs
Houk Employment Attorneys will work to maximize your financial recovery as best as we can under the law.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Retaliation Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ?
Many employees hesitate to contact a lawyer because they worry about the cost. However, Houk Employment Attorneys handles most employment retaliation cases on a contingency fee basis.
This means you pay nothing upfront to hire us. From there, we only get paid if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict.
With a contingency fee, our interests will be fully aligned with yours. We’ll also agree to terms at the beginning of your case so that you will know what to expect.
Contact Our Phoenix Retaliation for Taking Leave Attorneys for a Consultation
If you’ve been mistreated for taking leave in Phoenix, Arizona, you may be able to take legal action against your employer. Houk Employment Attorneys is here to help, with 45 years of combined experience in this area of the law and millions recovered for our clients.
Call today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a Phoenix retaliation for taking leave attorney. We’re ready to get to work on your case right away.
