Temporal Proximity Evidence:
Strong retaliation claims show close timing between protected activity and adverse action:
- Immediate retaliation: Adverse action within days or weeks of complaint
- Suspicious timing: Retaliation coinciding with investigation milestones
- Pattern evidence: Multiple retaliatory acts following protected activity
- Escalation timeline: Showing increasing severity of retaliation over time
Comparative Treatment Documentation:
- Before/after analysis of your workplace treatment
- Comparison with how other employees are treated for similar conduct
- Evidence of different standards or procedures applied to you
- Documentation of preferential treatment for employees who didn't complain
- Historical examples of how similar situations were handled previously
Retaliatory Intent Evidence:
- Direct statements showing retaliatory motive
- Circumstantial evidence suggesting retaliatory intent
- Pattern of timing suggesting intentional retaliation
- Departure from normal procedures following complaint
- Evidence of employer hostility toward discrimination complaints generally
Medical and Economic Impact Documentation
Economic Harm Documentation:
- Lost wages from demotion, hour reduction, or termination
- Missed promotion or advancement opportunities
- Lost bonuses, commissions, or incentive payments
- Increased job search costs and career transition expenses
- Professional reputation damage affecting future earnings
Health Impact from Retaliation:
- Medical treatment for stress, anxiety, or depression caused by retaliation
- Documentation of how retaliation exacerbated harassment trauma
- Professional counseling related to workplace retaliation
- Physical health problems stemming from retaliation stress
- Impact on personal relationships and family life
Electronic Evidence Preservation
Digital Communication Evidence:
- Emails discussing or implementing retaliatory actions
- Text messages between supervisors about complainant
- Calendar entries showing exclusion from meetings or events
- Performance management system entries made after complaint
- HR information system changes following protected activity
Security and Preservation:
- Forward retaliation evidence to personal email accounts
- Screenshot digital evidence with timestamps and headers
- Save social media posts or communications about retaliation
- Document changes in electronic access or system permissions
- Preserve evidence before it can be deleted or modified