[CO] Can I sue my employer for bullying, discrimination, and retaliation?
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Based on what you’ve shared, here’s what stands out under Colorado and federal law:
- Hostile Work Environment / Harassment: If the hazing and ridicule were severe or pervasive, it could be a hostile work environment. Typically this requires a link to a protected category (disability, gender, race, age, etc.). Since you mentioned PTSD, disability-based harassment may apply.
- Disability Rights: Because you disclosed PTSD and a 17-month work gap, the employer had a duty under the ADA and CADA to engage in the interactive process and consider reasonable accommodations. Placing you in a high-stress environment without protections could be a failure to accommodate (42 U.S.C. §§ 12112).
- Retaliation / HR: You reported issues to supervisors and HR. If HR failed to correct the situation and instead put you on leave, that may be retaliation for reporting discrimination/harassment (42 U.S.C. § 12203).
- Employer Size: With thousands of employees, ADA/Title VII and state law clearly apply.
Next steps to consider:
- Document incidents (dates, names, what happened).
- Keep emails/notes from talks with supervisors and HR.
- File a written HR complaint identifying disability-based harassment and lack of accommodations.
- File a charge with the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) or EEOC.
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I have an issue that requires an employment lawyer.
I’m sorry you’re facing an employment issue—it can be stressful. Can you describe what’s going on?
I’ve been hazed, bullied, made fun of, and generally made to feel uncomfortable and stressed on a daily basis.
Have you taken any steps to address this, such as speaking with your employer or HR?
I spoke with my direct supervisor and the director. Things escalated to HR and I was put on leave. I wasn’t protected by HR even though they knew about the issue. They were also aware I was coming in with PTSD from a severe accident and hadn’t worked in 17 months; I shouldn’t have been thrown into that kind of environment.
Is there anything else the employment lawyer should know before I connect you?
Yes.
Hello. What state are you in?
Colorado.
How long have you worked there?
It’s been an absolutely miserable two months.
How many employees work there?
In my department maybe 30; about 10 on my team. The company itself has thousands of employees.
Based on what you’ve shared, here’s what stands out under Colorado and federal law:
- Hostile Work Environment / Harassment: If the hazing and ridicule were severe or pervasive, it could be a hostile work environment. Typically this requires a link to a protected category (disability, gender, race, age, etc.). Since you mentioned PTSD, disability-based harassment may apply.
- Disability Rights: Because you disclosed PTSD and a 17-month work gap, the employer had a duty under the ADA and CADA to engage in the interactive process and consider reasonable accommodations. Placing you in a high-stress environment without protections could be a failure to accommodate (42 U.S.C. §§ 12112).
- Retaliation / HR: You reported issues to supervisors and HR. If HR failed to correct the situation and instead put you on leave, that may be retaliation for reporting discrimination/harassment (42 U.S.C. § 12203).
- Employer Size: With thousands of employees, ADA/Title VII and state law clearly apply.
Next steps to consider:
- Document incidents (dates, names, what happened).
- Keep emails/notes from talks with supervisors and HR.
- File a written HR complaint identifying disability-based harassment and lack of accommodations.
- File a charge with the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) or EEOC.
All of the above applies. There was a group message started behind my back to make fun of me—not only about my disability, but also my age. I’m almost 50 and most employees were mid-20s.
Good to hear. If you have any other follow-up questions, let me know.
I got a couple of screenshots from the group message. My direct supervisor and the director tried to make it better but HR wouldn’t allow the changes they needed. They’ll testify how bad it was. I had multiple counseling and even prayer sessions with supervisors weekly. It kept escalating, and an employee confronted me in front of others to belittle me. I responded verbally and then was put on leave.
I appreciate the information.
