Founded in 2009, The Noble Law provides consultations and legal advice to clients in South Carolina and across North Carolina on a variety of employment law issues, including workplace retaliation and whistleblower law. When you choose to partner with us, we will treat you as part of the team and provide you with top-notch, compassionate service. Open communication is key, and our employment law attorneys will support you every step of the way.
When it comes to workplace retaliation, whistleblower protection, or other issues regarding employment law, it can be hard to reach out to an employment attorney. Here at The Noble Law, we will work hard to understand your situation and help you identify your legal options, whether you choose to move forward with our firm or not. Schedule a consultation with a whistleblower lawyer in South Carolina or North Carolina today.
Retaliation in the workplace can take many forms and occurs when an employer punishes you for standing up for yourself or your rights. Whether you have reported safety violations, filed a complaint, taken medical or family leave, or simply expressed concerns about unfair treatment, your employer is prohibited by law from retaliating against you.
Unfortunately, retaliation can result in negative consequences for your career, well-being, and reputation, including demotion, isolation, or even wrongful termination. At The Noble Law, we understand the emotional and professional toll retaliation can take, and we are committed to helping employees like you take a stand against employers who violate your rights.
Schedule a consultation with a Durham workplace retaliation attorney in North Carolina today. We will carefully review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best course of action to take.
Common Types of Workplace Retaliation Claims
Retaliation can look different depending on the situation, but the law is clear: employees should never be penalized for doing what is right. Some of the most frequent retaliation claims we handle include:
- Retaliation After Reporting Harassment or Discrimination
Employers may retaliate after an employee files a formal complaint about harassment or discrimination. This is unlawful under both federal and North Carolina laws. - Whistleblower Retaliation
Reporting illegal activities, fraud, or unsafe practices is a courageous act, but it can lead to backlash. Whistleblowers are protected under specific laws designed to prevent employer retaliation. - Filing for Workers’ Compensation
After suffering a workplace injury, you have every right to file a workers’ compensation claim without fear of retaliation. - Requesting FMLA Leave or Disability Accommodations
Employees who seek medical leave or workplace accommodations due to disability are also protected under the law, yet retaliation in these cases remains all too common.
Signs of Workplace Retaliation
Workplace retaliation is not always obvious. It can start subtly, making you wonder if you are imagining it. Common signs include:
- Exclusion from important meetings or projects
- Reduced responsibilities or being assigned trivial or unfavorable tasks
- A sudden lack of support from your team or supervisor
These actions, often referred to as “cold shoulder” treatment, may seem minor but can significantly impact your career and morale.
In more blatant cases, retaliation might involve:
- Demotion or reassignment to less desirable roles
- Termination without clear cause
- Pay cuts, poor performance reviews, or disciplinary write-ups shortly after engaging in protected activities
Employers are prohibited from penalizing employees for these actions. However, retaliation cases are rarely straightforward. Employers may claim their actions were based on performance issues or legitimate business reasons. This is where legal representation becomes essential.
Distinguishing between lawful discipline and unlawful retaliation can be complex. At The Noble Law, we help employees uncover the truth, document incidents, and build compelling cases.
Taking Action Against Retaliation in Durham
If you believe you are facing retaliation at work, the first step is to report it through the proper channels—typically HR or your supervisor—while keeping a detailed record of every incident. Document everything: emails, conversations, performance reviews, or any actions that seem out of the ordinary or retaliatory. These records can be crucial if you need to take further steps down the line.
Unfortunately, even after reporting retaliation, it does not always stop, and your company may not take your concerns seriously. That is when it is time to take action beyond the workplace. Do not wait too long, as retaliation claims come with strict deadlines and waiting too long can weaken your case.
Legal Remedies for Workplace Retaliation
Legal remedies for workplace retaliation can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. They may include:
- Reinstatement to your former position.
- Backpay and front pay for lost wages.
- Compensation for emotional distress caused by the retaliation.
In some cases, employers may also be required to change workplace policies or complete anti-retaliation training to prevent future violations. A Durham Workplace Retaliation Attorney can help you fight for the resolution that best supports your career and personal goals.
Not every case will need to go to court; mediation can often provide a resolution that works for both sides. The Noble Law has the experience and skill to advocate for your best interests, whether at the negotiation table or in the courtroom.
How The Noble Law Can Help
At The Noble Law, we will:
- Advocate on your behalf through internal HR complaints.
- Submit claims to the EEOC, the North Carolina Department of Labor, or other appropriate agency.
- Help you connect the dots between your protected activity and retaliatory actions with solid evidence.
- Navigate federal and state laws, including deadlines and requirements.
Reach out to a Durham, NC employment attorney sooner rather than later to protect your rights from the start.
Learn More
You deserve a safe, ethical, and legal workplace, and our employment law firm is here to help you protect your rights. If you have questions about whistleblower protections available to you in North Carolina or South Carolina, contact The Noble Law.
Here at The Noble Law, we listen. We hear you. We understand. Call today to discuss your rights and duties as a workplace whistleblower.
Along with representing clients with claims in the area of workplace retaliation and whistleblower protections, we also represent employees in a variety of other areas of employment law. These include Executive compensation disputes, Workplace discrimination, Pay, overtime, and leave, Workplace harassment, sexual harassment, and workplace assault, and Workplace investigations.
Learn more about our employment law firm’s Practice Areas and check out our About Page. When you choose to work with The Noble Law, you will gain a clear understanding of your legal options, whether you choose to move forward with our employment law firm or not. Our employment lawyers advise and represent clients in North Carolina and South Carolina, with offices in Charlotte, Chapel Hill, and Mt. Pleasant. If you’re interested in speaking with one of our employment attorneys, contact us today.