Workplace harassment is a serious problem that can have devastating effects on victims, their coworkers, and the overall workplace environment. Harassment can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and emotional abuse, and can be based on a person’s race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. When harassment occurs, victims often feel powerless and isolated, but legal help is available to support them and protect their rights.
What can you do?
If you are experiencing harassment in the workplace, the first step is to report it to your employer. Many companies have policies in place to address harassment, and your employer may be able to take steps to stop the behavior and protect you from further harm. However, if your employer does not take appropriate action, or if the harassment continues, you may need to seek legal help.
Legal help for workplace harassment can take many forms, including filing a complaint with a government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or filing a lawsuit against your employer. A lawyer, like an employment litigation lawyer from a law office like Eric Siegel Law, can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking justice.
If you decide to file a complaint with the EEOC, your attorney can help you prepare your case and represent you during the investigation process. The EEOC investigates claims of workplace harassment and discrimination and may mediate a settlement between you and your employer or file a lawsuit on your behalf. If the EEOC finds that your employer has engaged in harassment, they may require the employer to take corrective action and may award you damages for any harm you have suffered.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Your Employer
If you decide to file a lawsuit against your employer, your attorney can help you build a strong case and represent you in court. Your attorney will need to prove that the harassment you experienced was severe and pervasive, that your employer knew or should have known about the harassment, and that your employer failed to take appropriate action to stop the harassment. If your case is successful, you may be awarded damages for any harm you have suffered, including lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
Legal help for workplace harassment is not only important for victims but also for employers who want to create a safe and inclusive workplace environment. Employers have a legal and moral obligation to prevent harassment and discrimination in the workplace, and failure to do so can have serious consequences for the company’s reputation, productivity, and bottom line. By working with an attorney who specializes in workplace harassment, employers can develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent harassment, train employees on appropriate workplace behavior, and respond quickly and effectively to reports of harassment.
Find the Right Legal Help
Legal help is available to support victims and protect their rights, including filing complaints with government agencies, such as the EEOC, and filing lawsuits against employers. An attorney who specializes in workplace harassment can help victims understand their legal options and guide them through the process of seeking justice. Employers also have a responsibility to prevent harassment in the workplace, and legal help can support them in developing and implementing policies and procedures to create a safe and inclusive workplace environment. Set up an appointment with your local lawyer today.