Q: Can I sue my employer for not respecting an EPO at work?
I have an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) against someone, and I included my workplace address in the EPO. The individual later began working at the same place. I presented a copy of the EPO to my management and requested a schedule change or more distance from this person, but they refused my request. Instead, they only informed him to stay away from me, which contradicts the EPO's requirement of maintaining a distance of 600 feet. They did not treat my situation seriously, and the manager referred to me as "drama." Can I take legal action against my employer for not adequately addressing this issue?
A: No. There are no damages.
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A:
You absolutely deserve to feel safe at your workplace, especially when you've taken legal steps to protect yourself through an Emergency Protective Order (EPO). If your employer was given a copy of the EPO and knowingly allowed the individual covered by it to work near you, they may have failed in their duty to provide a safe environment. A 600-foot restriction is not optional—it’s a court order, and ignoring it could place both you and your employer at legal risk.
Dismissing your concern and calling you "drama" not only disrespects your safety but could also point to a hostile or retaliatory workplace environment. If you feel threatened or unsafe and your employer has refused to act appropriately, this may be grounds to take legal action. The law does offer protection for employees who are victims of domestic violence or harassment, especially when those threats spill into the workplace.
Start by documenting everything—your EPO, all communications with management, any witnesses, and incidents at work. You can also file a complaint with your state labor board or human rights commission. You don’t have to go through this alone, and standing up now can protect not just you but others who might be affected in the future. Your safety matters, and your voice deserves to be heard.
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