Discrimination, Retaliation, and Harassment
If you are being treated unfairly because of who you are, or if your employer is punishing you for speaking up, that is not something you should handle alone. Wrongful actions at work can damage your livelihood, confidence, and long-term career. Our team understands what you are going through, and we are here to stand beside you.
At Kopp Legal PA, we stand up for people who deserve fairness and respect in the workplace. We help workers and employers address issues such as discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and hostile work environments. We look closely at what has happened, explain your rights, and take action to protect them. Our firm represents clients throughout Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, as well as in Martin, Broward, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee Counties.
Whether the best approach is open communication, administrative filings, or going to court, we build a strategy that fits your goals and situation. If your job is in danger or the harm is ongoing, the sooner you contact us, the faster we can help protect your future.
Standing Up Against Workplace Discrimination
Work should be a place where people can succeed based on their abilities—not their demographics. Unfortunately, some employers still base decisions on personal characteristics instead of performance. Workplace discrimination can show up in many ways, including:
Refusal to hire or promote you despite qualifications.
Unequal pay for equal work.
Unfair discipline or demotion.
Exclusion from training, benefits, or opportunities.
Offensive or degrading conduct tied to your identity.
When you tell us what is happening, we review the facts, gather documentation, and look for patterns that show unlawful behavior. We understand how employers defend these cases, and we build a strong response.
Facing Workplace Retaliation or Harassment?
Sexual Harassment & Hostile Work Environments
Harassment is not “just a joke” or “workplace culture.” It is harmful and illegal when it affects your job or creates an abusive environment. Sexual harassment can involve:
Unwanted physical contact.
Persistent inappropriate comments or messages.
Pressure for dates or sexual favors.
Retaliation for rejecting advances.
You do not have to suffer in silence. Many people feel intimidated or worry they will be labeled as “the problem.” But when harmful conduct is tied to your gender or another protected characteristic, you have rights—and we are here to help you use them.
We support clients through reporting and investigation processes, as well as legal claims if the behavior persists—your dignity at work matters. We will strongly advocate for accountability.
Retaliation: Protection When You Speak Up
Florida employees have the right to report discrimination, harassment, wage violations, safety issues, and other misconduct. Unfortunately, some employers respond with threats, punishment, or termination. Retaliation may look like:
Sudden negative performance reviews after making a complaint.
Reduced hours or unwanted schedule changes.
Demotion, exclusion, or isolation.
Wrongful termination.
Bullying or intimidation.
You should not lose your job—or your peace of mind—because you tried to do the right thing. When retaliation occurs, we help preserve evidence and move quickly to safeguard your rights. A strong legal response can stop further harm and may help secure financial compensation for what you have endured.
Florida Laws Protecting Workers
Both federal and state laws protect employees in Florida. Not every protection is available to every worker, so part of our role is helping you understand which rules apply to your workplace. Key Florida protections include:
The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA): Prohibits discrimination and sexual harassment in employment based on race, religion, sex, pregnancy, disability, age, national origin, and marital status. The FCRA also allows lawsuits in state court when rights are violated.
Public Whistleblower Act and Private Whistleblower Act: These laws protect workers who report illegal actions or regulatory violations from losing their jobs or facing punishment for speaking up.
Local ordinances: Palm Beach County and other nearby counties sometimes have additional protections that provide broader coverage than federal law.
Because the rules and deadlines vary, time matters. Claims may need to be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) before a lawsuit can begin. We help you follow the proper process so that your case is not lost due to technical issues or missed timelines.
Our Approach to Workplace Cases
Every situation is different. When you meet with us, we focus first on understanding what you need—whether that is stopping harmful behavior, recovering lost income, restoring your reputation, or moving forward in your career. Our strategy may include:
Communicating with your employer to correct unlawful behavior.
Preparing administrative charges with the EEOC or FCHR.
Gathering testimony, documents, and witnesses.
Negotiating settlements that reflect your losses and future goals.
Litigating claims if necessary.
We strive to keep communication straightforward and supportive. You deserve to feel heard, understood, and confident that someone is fighting for your best interests.
Support for Employers and HR Teams
We also assist businesses throughout Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding counties that face allegations of discrimination or harassment. Small and mid-sized companies often want to do the right thing but may not have full-time legal departments. We help them:
Investigate internal complaints.
Write clear policies and training materials.
Structure fair workplace practices.
Resolve disputes early and respectfully.
Respond to regulatory inquiries.
When both sides understand the law and communicate clearly, workplaces can become safer and more respectful for everyone involved.
Reliable Legal Guidance in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
At Kopp Legal PA, we provide thoughtful, skilled representation to individuals and businesses facing workplace and business-related challenges. Our focus includes employment and labor matters, healthcare law, contract disputes, and insurance issues. Located in Palm Beach Gardens, we provide direct attention and steady support during every stage of your case. Contact us today to discuss your situation and set up a free 30-minute phone consultation.