Ann Arbor Employer Retaliation Attorney Defending Your Right To Speak Up
Doing the right thing should never cost you your career. Unfortunately, many employees find that after they report a concern or request a legal right, their workplace environment suddenly turns hostile.
I founded my firm, Emily Tyler Law, to help Michigan professionals hold companies accountable for employer retaliation. I work to see that your courage to speak up is met with legal protection, not punishment.
As a workplace retaliation attorney with nearly 20 years of experience, I recognize the subtle shifts in management’s attitude that often signals an illegal adverse employment action. I use my background in corporate defense to stay one step ahead of the tactics employers use to hide their true motives.
Identifying Your Protected Activities Under The Law
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in protected activities. In Michigan, your employer cannot legally fire, demote or harass you for:
- Reporting discrimination or harassment: Filing a complaint regarding race, gender, age or other bias against a protected class
- Blowing the whistle: Reporting suspected illegal conduct or safety violations to a public body
- Requesting accommodations: Seeking changes for a disability, pregnancy or religious practice
- Exercising legal rights: Reporting wage and hour issues, filing for workers’ compensation or taking protected medical leave
Exercising these rights is a fundamental part of your employment, and the law strictly prohibits any form of backlash for doing so.
Recognizing An Adverse Employment Action In The Workplace
Retaliation is rarely a single event; it is often a progressive process designed to force an employee out. Illegal forms of punishment frequently include:
- Sudden pay cuts or a significant reduction in scheduled hours
- Reassignment to a less desirable shift, location or department
- “Papering” a file with unexpected negative performance reviews or unwarranted write-ups
- Exclusion from important meetings, training or projects you previously managed
If these hostile actions result in you losing your job, a wrongful termination lawyer can help you prove that your discharge was a direct result of your protected activity rather than your job performance.
Understanding The Critical Timelines For Filing A Retaliation Claim
Timing is your most significant hurdle in a retaliation case. Depending on the type of claim, your window to act may be incredibly narrow:
- Whistleblower retaliation: Under Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, you have only 90 days from the date of the retaliation to file a lawsuit.
- EEOC retaliation: For federal claims related to discrimination or harassment, you typically have 300 days to file a charge.
- State civil rights: Claims filed under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act generally have a three-year limit.
Because certain employment contracts may attempt to shorten these windows even further, consulting an attorney immediately is vital to preserving your rights.
Take Decisive Action To Protect Your Livelihood
You stood up for what was right; now, let me stand up for you. I provide the high-level strategy and direct communication needed to challenge a retaliatory employer and restore your professional standing.
Call 888-610-8317 today or send me an email to schedule your free consultation. Let’s work together to stop the retaliation and protect your future.