Workplace Retaliation Attorney In Hattiesburg
Employees who report harassment, discrimination or unsafe working conditions shouldn’t face adverse treatment for reporting concerns. A Hattiesburg workplace retaliation lawyer at WaideLaw offers advice when a complaint results in discipline, fewer hours, job changes or unexplained hostility from bosses or colleagues.
Retaliation complaints regularly arise across Hattiesburg workplaces, from employers near the West Pine Street corridor to large organizations close to the University of Southern Mississippi.
Retaliation sometimes starts small and then gradually intrudes on job security and daily stability. WaideLaw looks at the whole situation and offers clear, concise advice so workers know what actions may be possible.
Hire a Workplace Retaliation Lawyer
WaideLaw has extensive experience handling workplace retaliation claims. Daniel Waide is executive committee chair of the Mississippi Bar’s Employment Law Section. Guided by lessons he learned growing up on a family farm, his practice is anchored by a consistent discipline and devotion to honesty and accountability.
Daniel’s pursuit of justice for clients who are treated unfairly after reporting a workplace concern is grounded in the call to action in Isaiah 1:17. His work with youth sports and local public safety groups has also helped earn the firm a reputation as a trusted resource for Hattiesburg employees.
What to Do When Retaliation Occurs
Most workers are surprised when retaliation occurs because, most of the time, the way they are treated changes rapidly. Responding in a methodical manner helps bring the clarity needed to see what is really going on. The objective is to document the change in a simple, structured manner so that no details are missed. Examples of ways to do this include:
- Writing down what happened on specific dates in as much detail as possible
- Saving emails, texts or other messages that can help capture the change
- Retaining copies of performance evaluations or other records that show what was expected in the past
Taken together, these help form a more complete view of what is going on. WaideLaw works with workers to help them review this information in a manner that will allow them to decide what makes sense as a next step.
Retaliation in Hattiesburg Workplaces
Retaliation is often about more than the initial complaint and can affect many aspects of a worker’s day. Employees throughout Hattiesburg, from Forrest General Hospital, Southern Miss and local schools, to manufacturing facilities and the small businesses that line Hardy Street, all report similar experiences. The stress can manifest as sudden, unexpected changes, unexplained write-ups or as loss of the opportunities that had seemed secure.
In many cases, these changes can affect a worker’s financial stability and can leave stress that is carried home. Workers change their driving routes, eating places or other aspects of their day just to avoid conflict. WaideLaw pays close attention to the day-to-day details because this information often provides a basis for understanding if the conduct could be unlawful.
Why Retaliation Claims Are Increasing Across the United States
Statistics continue to show that retaliation claims are the most frequently filed type of discrimination charge in the United States. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 42,301 charges of retaliation in fiscal year 2024, and it is the most common allegation nationally. Mississippi workers filed 1,200 discrimination charges with the EEOC in 2022, according to the EEOC’s state-by-state breakdown.
This trend is significant for Hattiesburg employees because it highlights how common it is for employers to react negatively when employees make a complaint or stand up for their rights. It also shows that many individuals still feel intimidated or retaliated against for asserting their rights. For a local employee, these figures can illustrate why it’s important to document a problem as soon as possible and get legal advice if retaliation starts.
FAQs
Can I Still Experience Retaliation if My Employer Says the Action Was Performance Related?
Yes, it is possible to still experience retaliation even if the employer says the action was related to performance. When employees ask about this, it comes down to whether the explanation fits with your history, your evaluations and the timing of recent events. If the supposed performance issue feels more like a reaction to your complaint or conversation, a lawyer can review your record and advise you on whether the reason provided has merit or not.
What if the Retaliation Is Subtle and Hard to Prove?
Retaliation can be subtle, and employees often ask if they will be able to prove what has been happening. The short answer is that it can still matter if there are smaller changes in assignment, tone or opportunities that begin happening in a pattern over time. The key question is how these actions affect your job and if they started after you made a complaint. A lawyer can help you assess subtle patterns and figure out which evidence is significant.
What Should I Do if I Was Fired After Reporting a Problem?
If you were fired after reporting a problem, the wise thing to do is to try to collect as much information as you can on your employment history and the events leading up to the termination. Keep performance reviews, emails, written complaints and any notes you took on workplace problems. These details can help paint a picture of what changed after you reported something or took action.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workplace Retaliation Claim?
In most cases, you have 180 days from the date of the retaliatory act to file a charge with the EEOC. Since Mississippi does not have a state partner agency, the EEOC’s 300-day deadline is not applicable. After the EEOC issues a Right-to-Sue letter, you have 90 days from the date you receive the letter to file a lawsuit in federal court.
Contact a Hattiesburg Workplace Retaliation Lawyer
Mississippi has seen an increase in retaliation claims, which may be a sign that many employers are continuing to retaliate against employees for exercising their rights. If you are an employee in Hattiesburg who has complained and is suffering from unjust consequences, such as a reduction of hours, a demotion or unexpected disciplinary measures, the support of an experienced and dedicated workplace retaliation attorney can provide real assistance.
At WaideLaw, we provide both the local perspective and extensive legal experience to help you assess your circumstances, review documentation and fully understand the potential avenues available to you. If you believe that you have been retaliated against for exercising your rights, schedule a consultation to help you gain a clear, informed path forward to protecting your rights. Hire a workplace retaliation lawyer today.
