Work should be a place where people are treated with respect and fairness. But that’s not always the case. If you’ve experienced misconduct on the job, or if you’ve seen it happen to others, you have the right to speak up with the help of your Silver Spring, MD employment litigation lawyer.
At Eric Siegel Law, we’ve worked with people from all types of industries who were put in tough situations. And over our 30 years of experience, our message has always been the same: misconduct should not be tolerated, and legal protections exist for those who report it. Read on to learn more about workplace misconduct, and contact us today to get started.
Misconduct Can Take Many Forms
Workplace misconduct doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes it’s verbal harassment that creates a hostile work environment. Other times, it’s about discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, or disability. It could also involve retaliation—being demoted, fired, or sidelined after reporting something to HR or management.
Even issues like wage theft, misclassification, or unsafe working conditions can fall into this category. When workers are taken advantage of, lied to, or punished for speaking up, they have legal rights that can be defended.
You Don’t Need Proof Before Speaking Up
Many workers stay quiet because they think they need solid proof before reporting something. That’s not true. While documents, emails, or text messages can help, your statement and your experience still matter. If something inappropriate has happened, or if you believe someone is breaking the law, you’re allowed to raise concerns—both inside the company and with outside agencies.
Internal Reports Don’t Always Fix The Problem
Companies often encourage employees to report misconduct internally. That might mean going to a supervisor, a human resources department, or another internal channel. In some cases, that’s enough. But not always.
We’ve seen many cases where internal reports were ignored—or worse, where the employee who reported the problem became the target of retaliation. If that happens, it may be time to speak with someone outside the company. Federal and state laws protect workers who report misconduct, and retaliation for speaking up is often a violation of those laws.
Legal Options Are Available
If you’re facing harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, legal action may be an option. In some cases, you may need to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a similar state agency. That process may involve investigations, mediation, or even litigation. A complaint can lead to settlements, changes in company policies, or, in some cases, a lawsuit.
It’s not always easy to decide how to move forward. You may be worried about your job, your reputation, or how it might affect your future. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. An employment litigation lawyer can review your case and help you understand what steps are available and whether it makes sense to move forward.
We’re Ready To Help If You Need Support
At Eric Siegel Law, we believe that no one should have to deal with misconduct at work without support. With legal experience in workplace retaliation, discrimination, and more, we’re ready to help you next. Contact us today, and get the legal representation you deserve.