Three recent federal appeals court rulings have practical lessons for employers of all types in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. The opinions from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit involve retaliation and disability claims, which can be particularly risky and expensive for employers to navigate. But there are steps they can take to better protect themselves, including being mindful of how the timing of complaints and subsequent action may be perceived, as well as thoroughly documenting all accommodation discussions.
‘Ali v. BC Architects Engineers’
Retaliation claims now constitute the most frequently cited basis for charges filed before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Lawsuits based on retaliation can be especially dangerous for employers because they do not depend on the legal sufficiency of the underlying discrimination or harassment claims.
