A good moral compass is very beneficial in all walks of life. A person should never be punished for doing the right thing, especially in the workplace. However, many workers in California and around the country will experience retaliation for doing morally correct things like reporting illegal practices or activities. Fortunately, all employees are protected by law and may pursue legal avenues when retaliation tactics result in things such as job loss. Recently, an employee in another state filed a lawsuit against a former employer after losing her job due to alleged retaliation.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff is a registered nurse who was employed by a nursing home. Allegedly, she faced retaliatory acts while employed by the nursing home that eventually led to her termination. The woman claims that she heard complaints from patients that they did not receive their medications. The plaintiff also claims that she witnessed another nurse mentally abusing a patient.
The plaintiff reported these incidents to her superiors, but no investigation was conducted and nothing was done, the lawsuit claims. The woman claims that she was terminated shortly after reporting the incidents. She says her firing was wrongful and was in retaliation for speaking up against the wrongdoing that she allegedly witnessed.
Workers in California or any state should never be punished for speaking up or doing the right thing. In fact, it is unlawful for employers to retaliate against employees in any way. Victims of retaliation by co-workers or employers can take legal action. A successful lawsuit could result in compensation to help with the pain and suffering that comes with experiencing retaliatory acts in the workplace.
Source: wvrecord.com, “Nurse claims Trinity Health Care Services of Logan terminated her in retaliation“, Lhalie Castillo, Dec. 11, 2017