Workplace Retaliation and Medical Condition Discrimination: What Are They, and How Can You Fight Back? 

If you believe your employer has treated you unfairly, discriminated against you, or punished you for calling out wrongful behavior, you need a qualified legal team on your side. Read ahead to learn everything you need to know about medical condition discrimination and workplace retaliation.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer punishes a worker for taking legally protected actions against the employer.

For example, let's say you report your employer for medical condition discrimination, which we will discuss below. Your employer then retaliates by moving you from first shift to third shift or lowering your pay rate.

If your employer takes any negative action against you after reporting them, they may have violated workplace retaliation laws.

What Is Medical Condition Discrimination?

Medical condition discrimination occurs when an employer takes a negative action against an employee due to a past, present, or potential medical condition. Common conditions include disabilities, pregnancy, chronic pain, and hearing or sight impairment.

For example, perhaps your employer suspects you are pregnant and adds your name to the next round of layoffs. Alternatively, maybe a company refuses to hire you because you use a wheelchair, even though you could complete the job duties as expected.

Employers should make reasonable accommodations for people with medical conditions. There is a fine line between medical condition discrimination and an employer being unable to accommodate you appropriately due to the nature of the position. If the latter occurs, the employer's negative actions may be founded.

If you're unsure whether your employer's behavior goes against discrimination laws, our attorneys can evaluate your case and help you determine the next steps.

How Can You Respond to Wrongful Treatment in the Workplace?

Employers have a duty to treat employees equally and fairly. When issues like workplace retaliation and medical condition discrimination arise, going to work may feel like a dangerous act. However, many workers fail to realize that they can hold their employers accountable for these discriminatory behaviors.

The first step to take after experiencing discrimination or retaliation is to bring your concerns to your Human Resources department. If your employer can provide a reasonable explanation for the negative acts, you may not have grounds for legal action.

If your employer cannot provide a reasonable explanation, you should request that they stop or reverse the negative action. If they fail to do so, your next step is to report the issue to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which prevents employers from discriminating against their staff.

If you have experienced unfair treatment in the workplace, you don't need to suffer alone. Our attorneys can help you take the appropriate actions to hold your employer accountable, reverse any unfounded punishments, and seek compensation.

Contact Our Workplace Attorneys in Florida and Georgia Today

At The Leach Firm, P.A., we represent employees across Florida and Georgia who are victims of workplace retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful treatment. If you need legal help, contact us today at 844-722-7567.