If you have experienced retaliation in the workplace, an experienced Colorado employment attorney may be able to help. Both federal and Colorado state law prohibit retaliation, and an attorney may be able to help you get back your job, recoup lost pay, recover damages for emotional stress, or even receive punitive damages.
Retaliation is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.) and by the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (Co. Rev. Stat. Sec. 24-34-402). Together, these laws apply to most employers in Colorado, although some religious associations and organizations may be exempt.
These laws prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of color, race, religion, sex, and national origin. In addition, these laws provide legal options, such as filing an EEOC complaint or a lawsuit, for employees who believe they have been a victim of discrimination.
What is Retaliation?
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Retaliation is an adverse action by an employer against an employee who has engaged in a protected employment activity. Such activities can include:
- Whistleblowing or raising concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace;
- Reporting incidences of harassment or discrimination;
- Filing a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
- Filing a discrimination charge with the Colorado Civil Rights Division; and
- Supporting a discrimination claim by a coworker.
Although in many instances the retaliation itself is a wrongful firing of the employee, this is not always the case. An employer can also retaliate by demoting an employee, reducing their pay, or otherwise harassing an employee.
Wrongful Termination in Colorado
Colorado is an at-will employment state, which means that either the employer or employee can end the employment relationship at any time. However, even in an at-will employment state, employers are not allowed to fire an employee for reasons that are against public policy or for discriminatory reasons. Likewise, even though Colorado is an at-will employment state, retaliation prohibits employers from firing employees who have engaged in the protected activities listed above.
Colorado Retaliation Attorney
If you or a loved one has experienced retaliation and are in need of help, contact HKM Employment Attorneys LLP. We have experience representing victims of retaliation.
If you are a victim of retaliation, contact an HKM Employment Attorney online or by calling or by calling 303-991-3075 for a private consultation.
