Technology, and biotechnology specifically, are important sectors that are driving innovation across multiple domains. This includes agriculture, human therapeutics, and industrial/environmental spheres. The quality of the work done in these fields hinges on employees’ abilities to report issues occurring at every level. Ultimately, protecting biotech and tech professionals from workplace retaliation in San Diego helps everyone.

San Diego workplace retaliation laws can be difficult to understand, especially when it comes to applying them to your specific case. It’s highly recommended that you hire a workplace retaliation lawyer to represent you. The right San Diego retaliation lawyer can help you secure the outcome you deserve in the face of wrongful retaliation from an employer.

Protecting Biotech and Tech Professionals From Workplace Retaliation in San Diego

Workplace retaliation is illegal under state and federal law. Even so, it’s not uncommon for employers to take adverse action against an employee without any legal right. California’s Labor Commissioner’s Office had a backlog of 4,878 workplace retaliation claims as of 2023 due to a steady increase in cases opened over the last decade and counting.

In response to these rising numbers, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 497 into law, effectively making it easier for California employees to file retaliation claims. If you’re fired after reporting sexual harassment, it’s possible to hold your employer responsible for the loss of your job and related damages as a result of the wrongful termination.

Since California is an at-will employment state, it can be difficult to prove workplace retaliation. California employers can technically fire employees for no reason at all as long as they’re maintaining compliance with state and federal employment laws. You must gather enough evidence to support your claim in order to prove wrongful retaliation. A San Diego workplace retaliation attorney can help.

The biotech industry is expansive, merging multiple disciplines in order to develop solutions to global challenges like biofuel development, disease prevention, and food production. The workers in this industry have exceptionally important jobs. Their actions can impact the population at large in many different ways. For this reason, it’s imperative that they’re protected when it comes to reporting issues and concerns in the workplace.

FAQs

What Is California’s New Workplace Retaliation Law?

California’s new workplace retaliation law is formally Senate Bill 497, but it’s also known as the Equal Pay and Anti-Retaliation Act. Under SB 497, it’s easier for employees in California to file workplace retaliation claims.

The new law amended sections of the California Labor Code to create a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if the employer takes action against the claimant within 90 days of their exercising a protected right.

What Are Common Reasons Behind Workplace Retaliation Cases in San Diego?

Common reasons behind workplace retaliation cases in San Diego can depend on the industry and other specific details of the case. Workplace retaliation cases are the result of illegal actions that employers take in response to an employee exercising their protected rights. Common triggers for workplace retaliation cases can include:

• Filing a workers’ compensation claim
• Reporting wage theft and other workplace violations
• Speaking up against discrimination or harassment
• Taking protected leave
• Whistleblowing

What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Retaliation in San Diego Workplace Retaliation Cases?

What evidence you need to prove retaliation in San Diego workplace retaliation cases can vary depending on the details of the situation. In order to prove workplace retaliation, you must prove that:

• You engaged in a protected activity.
• Your employer took adverse action against you.
• These two events are related to one another.

It’s wise to record interactions with your employer and hold onto relevant documentation related to the initial incident and everything that happened afterward.

What Is an Example of Workplace Retaliation in the Biotech and Tech Industry in San Diego?

An example of workplace retaliation in the biotech and tech industry in San Diego could involve an employee reporting a regulatory violation and subsequently being excluded from core projects in the future or terminated under the guise of another excuse.

In 2025, a former employee at Illumina won a $1,900,000 settlement after raising concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in products being sold to federal agencies. The company originally ignored her concerns, reprimanded her, and ultimately terminated her job.

Hire a Workplace Retaliation Lawyer in San Diego to Learn More About Your Legal Options

With a San Diego County workplace retaliation attorney from Jimenez Loayza, APC, on your side, you can focus on securing the justice you deserve after being wronged by an employer. As a local California employment law firm, we have a deep understanding of California harassment and retaliation laws. We understand how to resolve these issues in and out of the courtroom, giving our clients every opportunity to recover the remedies they rightfully deserve.

We’re passionate about protecting the rights of California employees throughout Central and Southern California. You can count on us to offer comprehensive support throughout your case. Moreover, we don’t charge anything unless we can secure a successful outcome. When you choose Jimenez Loayza, APC, to represent you, you’re choosing a local firm you can trust.

Over the years, we’ve been recognized for our hard work in many different ways. This includes earning the Pro Bono Publico Award from Casa Cornelia Law Center and the Rising Star Award from the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. Our team was also recognized as “Rising Stars” in employment litigation by Super Lawyers®. To top it off, we’re affiliated with the following:

• California Employment Lawyers Association
• Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
• Doors of Change
• Lawyers Club of San Diego
• Louis M. Welsh American Inn of Court
• San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association
• San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund
• San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund*

If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our team of California workplace retaliation attorneys is here to listen. Contact our office to talk to a lawyer about your situation in more detail today. You can find us in San Diego County near I-5, I-8, and I-805.

*Industry awards and accolades do not guarantee positive results for your case. Every case is different.