Unfortunately, thousands of workplace harassment charges occur each year. Although it seems like common sense to treat people with kindness and respect, this is not the experience for victims of workplace harassment.
If you have experienced workplace harassment in your own occupation, including sexual harassment, you are not alone, and help is available. Speaking with a New Jersey workplace harassment lawyer should be the first step you take in receiving the justice you deserve.
Defining Workplace Harassment in New Jersey
As we discuss in our Comprehensive Guide to Workplace Harassment, this type of behavior violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Workplace harassment violates the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Finally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission mandates against offensive behavior, whether verbal or physical, involving:
- Race
- Religion
- Gender
- Nationality
- Age
- Disability
There’s a difference between being rude and breaking the law. These behaviors become illegal if they lead to a hostile work environment or are considered part of your employment.
Some companies and states have even broader standards: New Jersey, for example, forbids discrimination against smokers. If you believe you’ve faced illegal discrimination or harassment, get in touch with our firm today.
Types of Workplace Harassment
Harassment manifests in several ways across the modern workplace. Some examples of the different types of workplace harassment include:
- Sexual Orientation Harassment: Everyone has the right to work peacefully without facing insults or hostility based on their sexual orientation.
- Abuse of Authority: Coworkers in power may use intimidation to serve personal grudges or manipulate employees, such as demanding tasks that conflict with an employee’s known disability.
- Sexual Harassment: Comprising a significant portion of workplace harassment cases, sexual harassment includes explicit visuals, suggestive remarks, or inappropriate staring. You can legally report these behaviors even if you are an observer rather than the direct target.
- Bullying and Psychological Harassment: Aggression, malicious rumors, deliberate exclusion, and impossible deadlines ruin job performance and damage mental health.
- Cyberbullying: Perpetrators often abuse communication tools under a false guise of anonymity, but digital breadcrumbs usually remain.
- Interview Harassment: Interviewers cannot ask discriminatory questions regarding protected identities like age, family status, religion, or origin, even if framed casually.
When Do I Need New Jersey Workplace Harassment Lawyers
There are a few remedies you can pursue when you face harassment. First, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission suggests that you discuss the actions with the perpetrator. Sometimes, you can explain to them that their actions cause you discomfort and convince them to stop. If that is not viable, report the harassment to a supervisor or your HR department.
If internal channels fail to resolve the issue, consulting a lawyer is your best option. An experienced New Jersey workplace harassment attorney understands state-specific legal provisions, evaluates whether your case can win before a jury, and can help you negotiate a favorable settlement outside the courtroom to avoid a lengthy trial.
Work With Our NJ Harassment Attorneys Today
If you have experienced workplace harassment and are weighing your options, the legal team at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. is ready to fight for your rights. We approach every case with compassion and provide dedicated legal support across New Jersey, with offices in Red Bank, Marlton, and Newark. Contact us today for a free consultation.
