Workers' Compensation Retaliation
If you assert a claim for work related injuries, known as worker's compensation benefits, you have certain rights and protections against retaliation. Because worker's compensation is an insurance benefit, normally an employer's premium increases with the number of work related injuries that occur. In some situations employers refuse, oppose or interfere with employees submitting claims for benefits under the Worker's Compensation Act and if the employee insists on submitting a claim, the employer takes action against the injured worker. If you believe your employer is treating you unfairly or retaliating against you because of a worker's compensation claim, you should contact the Law Offices of Dean T. Yeotis immediately.
Retaliation in Violation of Michigan Public Policy
The rule of thumb with regards to Michigan Employment Law is that most employees can be fired, anytime, for any reason or for no reason at all. Like with all rules though there are exceptions. Some exceptions are discussed above under the discrimination and harassment headings. Another exception to this rule is where an employer demands that an employee complete a task that would violate the law. An employee has the right to refuse an employer's directive to violate a law or well recognized rule or regulation. If the employer discharges or otherwise retaliates against an employee for his/her refusal to violate the law, this may be illegal and the employee may be entitled to file a lawsuit. If you believe your employer is directing you to perform a task which violates the law, call the Flint, Law Offices of Dean T, Yeotis at 810-767-6100 immediately. Unlike most Retaliation cases, with this type of case, completion of the task must actually result in a violation of the law. If an employee refuses to perform a task based upon a mistaken belief it would violate the law, an employer may rightfully terminate that employee for insubordination. An employee in this type of situation needs to contact the Law Offices of Dean T. Yeotis as soon as possible.
Retaliation for Opposing Illegal Discrimination or Harassment
Employees from big and small organizations also have the right to report and/or oppose illegal discrimination or harassment in their workplace, whether directed towards you or a co-worker. A complaint or opposition to illegal discrimination complained of internally must clearly identify the behavior or comments being complained about and reference the civil rights act (race, gender, sex, age, weight, etc.) to best ensure protection under the Civil Rights Acts. If you communicate this type of complaint to your employer (which means Human Resource Director or someone else with the power to remedy the situation) and action is taken against you, your rights may have been violated. To find out more information, call the Flint, Law Offices of Dean T. Yeotis at 810-767-6100.
Contact Our Firm
If you have questions regarding workplace retaliation, contact the Law Offices of Dean T. Yeotis by calling 888-776-7579 or by completing the contact the Law Offices of Dean T. Yeotis on this website. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but we are available for evening or weekend appointments if necessary. We offer free phone or e-mail consultations.