What to Do If You Were Fired After Reporting Discrimination

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Reporting workplace discrimination takes courage. But when you’re met with retaliation—especially wrongful termination—it can feel like an added injustice. If you’re wondering what to do if you were fired after reporting discrimination, know that federal and state laws are on your side.

Employees who engage in protected activities such as reporting harassment or discrimination have specific rights, and employers who retaliate may face serious legal consequences. However, taking action against acts like discrimination and resisting sexual advances requires the right approach.

This article explains what to do if you were fired after reporting discrimination, how to recognize wrongful termination, and the legal actions you can pursue with help from an experienced employment lawyer.

Understanding Your Rights After Reporting Discrimination

Under federal law, including the Civil Rights Act and Title VII, it is illegal for an employer to fire or take other adverse employment actions against an employee for reporting workplace discrimination.

Whether the discrimination was based on race, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics, retaliation in any form may constitute a legal violation.

If your employer fired you after you reported discrimination or harassment—including resisting sexual advances, reporting unsafe conditions, or speaking up about illegal activity—you may have a valid wrongful termination claim.

Both state and federal law protect you against such firing, and if you experience something like this, know that you can take legal action. For instance, many people wonder if they can be fired in California for no reason, but the answer is: They cannot. Instead, employees have legal protection.ns

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of employment laws. This includes being fired for engaging in protected activities such as reporting harassment, filing a retaliation complaint, or reporting workplace discrimination.

Many employment laws protect individuals from such actions, and if you believe your employer retaliated, it’s time to consider legal options.

Wrongful discharge can take many forms, such as being demoted, fired, or subjected to other adverse employment actions shortly after reporting discrimination.

These actions may indicate an illegal motive, particularly if there’s no valid performance-related reason for the termination.

Steps to Take If You Were Fired for Reporting Harassment or Discrimination

Learning harassment laws is just the first step in taking action against oppressors. Victims need to know the right steps to take if fired for reporting harassment or discrimination. Here’s what our employment lawyers recommend:

1. Document Everything

Start by gathering evidence. Keep emails, text messages, performance reviews, or any documentation that supports your claim.

This includes evidence of the discrimination or harassment and proof that your employer’s actions changed after you reported it. Gathering evidence early strengthens your position in handling a wrongful termination case.

2. File a Complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The EEOC is the federal agency responsible for handling employment discrimination and retaliation claims. If you were wrongfully terminated, file a complaint with the EEOC as soon as possible. This step is required before you can file a lawsuit in many cases.

The EEOC will investigate and may offer mediation to resolve the issue. If the matter is not resolved, the EEOC can issue a right-to-sue letter, allowing you to pursue legal action through the court system.

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3. Speak to an Experienced Employment Lawyer

Navigating wrongful termination cases can be complex. An experienced employment lawyer or wrongful termination attorney can help determine whether your employer violated federal or state law, evaluate your legal claim, and represent you throughout the process. Most employment attorneys offer a free consultation.

Protected Activities and Whistleblower Protections

Employees have the right to report harassment, discrimination, and illegal conduct without fear of retaliation.

These are known as protected activities under federal and state laws. Whistleblower protections also shield employees who report safety violations, sexual harassment, or workplace harassment to a government agency like OSHA or the health administration.

Even if your employer claims that the firing was unrelated, the timing of the termination and lack of valid justification may suggest it was in retaliation.

Recognizing Employer Retaliation

Retaliation can include more than just termination. Other adverse employment actions like demotions, pay cuts, exclusion from meetings, or increased scrutiny may also support a retaliation claim.

If your employer treats you differently or penalizes you after you report harassment or file a formal complaint, this behavior may support a wrongful termination case.

How an Employment Attorney Can Help

An employment attorney will help you understand your legal rights, assess your case, and determine whether your employer’s actions were unlawful.

They will help you gather evidence, file paperwork with the EEOC or another government agency, and build a strong wrongful termination claim.

In addition to helping you file a complaint, your attorney can:

File a lawsuit on your behalf
Negotiate with your employer
Represent you in court if needed
Help recover damages such as back pay, lost wages, and punitive damages

Employment lawyers can also help victims understand the 7 red flags that show an employer is discriminating against you. It is a quick and easy way to make sure you don’t make mistakes during the process.

Compensation in Wrongful Termination Cases

If your case is successful, you may be entitled to:

Back pay and lost wages
Reinstatement (in some cases)
Compensation for emotional distress
Payment of attorney’s fees and other costs
Punitive damages if the employer’s actions were especially egregious

Many employers fear lawsuits and may offer mediation or a settlement to resolve the case before it reaches court. Your employment lawyer can advise you on whether a settlement offer is fair.

Protections for Federal Employees

Federal employees are protected under similar statutes and have access to internal processes and agencies like the Merit Systems Protection Board.

If you’re a federal employee and believe you were wrongfully terminated, you still have the right to file a retaliation claim and pursue legal action under applicable laws.

Common Legal Defenses Employers Use During Such Cases

Employers may claim that the firing was due to performance issues, restructuring, or other neutral business reasons. However, if these explanations are inconsistent or contradict previous answers from management, it could suggest pretext and support your claim.

Employers may also argue that their actions were part of a broader reorganization. This is why collecting documentation and securing legal representation is critical.

Filing a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

To file a lawsuit, you’ll typically need to:

File an EEOC complaint (or with a state agency, depending on your jurisdiction)
Receive a right-to-sue letter
Work with your employment attorney to file a formal complaint in court

Timing is essential—both federal and state law impose strict deadlines, so it’s best to act promptly.

Final Thoughts: What to Do If You Were Fired After Reporting Discrimination

If you were fired after reporting discrimination, don’t let fear or confusion keep you from taking action. You have workplace rights and legal protections. While losing your job can cause financial and emotional distress, there are steps you can take to hold your employer accountable.

By filing a formal complaint, working with an experienced lawyer, and asserting your legal rights, you can challenge wrongful discharge and protect not just your future but the rights of others in similar positions.

Contact Bourassa Law Group

At Bourassa Law Group, we fight for individuals who were wrongfully terminated after reporting discrimination. If your employer fired you in retaliation for a protected activity, we can help you file a wrongful termination claim and pursue legal action.

Start With Your Discrimination Lawsuit Today

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