The toxic grip of sexual harassment doesn’t just stain the workplace—it crushes morale, drains productivity, and leaves employees feeling trapped. When courage compels you to speak out, the last thing you expect is retaliation. But what happens when you’re fired after reporting harassment?
Is it legal for an employer to retaliate? Can you fight back? Arizona employees facing these situations need answers and action. Understanding your rights and how to build a compelling case is crucial to seeking justice.
Can You Get Fired for Reporting Harassment?
Many employees who contemplate reporting workplace wrongdoing wonder, Can you get fired for reporting harassment? Under state and federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who report harassment. Retaliation includes termination, demotion, or any other adverse action taken due to filing a complaint.
Can An Employer Fire You for Filing a Complaint?
Many employees have a second question: Can an employer fire you for filing a complaint? The answer is no. When an employee submits a complaint, they engage in what is known as a “protected activity.” However, proving retaliation linked to filing a complaint often requires uncovering behavior patterns.
Did the termination happen shortly after the complaint? Was the firing framed as part of a sudden policy change or budget cut? These indicators can strengthen your case.
How Do I Prove Wrongful Termination?
If you believe your employer terminated you for reporting harassment, following these steps can help you build a solid case:
- Document everything. Keep records of all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, and any witnesses. Also, save any correspondence with your employer regarding your complaint, such as emails or HR reports.
- Gather evidence of retaliation. Retaliation can take many forms, from termination to unwarranted disciplinary actions. Maintain a timeline of events, showing the connection between your complaint and the adverse actions taken against you.
- Identify comparators. Show how your employer treated other employees in similar situations differently. For example, if your employer claimed performance issues as the reason for your firing, compare your performance record to colleagues your employer did not terminate.
- Secure witness statements. Coworkers who witnessed the harassment or retaliation can provide valuable testimony to support your case. Ensure they are willing to give statements or testify if needed.
These steps will strengthen your case, but following up with an experienced attorney is essential. A skilled employment attorney can evaluate your evidence, navigate legal procedures, and advocate for your rights.
How Can Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC Help If I Have Been Fired After Reporting Harassment?
Knowing your rights and proving wrongful termination are two different things. That is where Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC comes in. Here is what our attorneys can do for you:
- Case evaluation—we will assess your case details, determining whether your termination violated state or federal laws;
- Evidence collection—our team will help gather documents, witness statements, and other critical evidence to strengthen your claim;
- Litigation experience—with decades of trial experience, we are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and hold your employer accountable; and
- Support and advocacy—beyond the legal process, facing retaliation is stressful, so we are committed to helping you through this difficult time.
With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, our attorneys are here to fight for your rights. You deserve justice—and we are here to help you achieve it.
If You Have Been Fired for Reporting Harassment and Want to Work with the Best Contact, Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC
At Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC, our Phoenix employment lawyers are respected leaders in the legal community. With five decades of combined experience and a proven track record, we are committed to helping employees fight against illegal workplace practices. Here is why Phoenix employees trust us:
- Nearly $25 million in settlements and verdicts;
- Featured on NBC News, Fox News, and AZ Central;
- Award-winning attorneys with Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers distinctions; and
- A reputation for fearless litigation and a client-first approach.
If you were fired after reporting harassment, don’t wait to take action. Contact Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC, today to schedule a consultation.
Attorney Michael Zoldan provides legal counsel to individuals and small businesses throughout Arizona. Mr. Zoldan’s practice is based on aggressive and detail-oriented representation, focusing on employment discrimination, wage and hour disputes, harassment, and wrongful termination. Prior to forming Shields Petitti & Zoldan, Mr. Zoldan worked for numerous law firms where he had an opportunity to hone his litigation skills by working on multiple litigation cases at a time with some of the most skilled litigators in the state.
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