Harassment at work can create a stressful and uncomfortable environment, but your Washington, D.C. discrimination lawyer can help you resolve these issues. Many people are unsure about their rights or the steps they should take when faced with these situations – but at Eric Siegel Law, we’ve spent over 30 years making sure they know their rights and responsibilities. Read on for some important answers, and contact us today to get started.
What Counts As Harassment At Work?
As your employee rights lawyer can explain, harassment at work happens when someone experiences unwelcome behavior based on factors like race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. It can be verbal, physical, or written. Examples include offensive jokes, slurs, unwanted touching, or repeated inappropriate comments. Even subtle actions, like repeated exclusion from meetings, can be considered harassment if they are based on a protected characteristic and create a hostile environment.
How Do I Know If I Have A Harassment Claim?
You may have a harassment claim if the behavior is severe or happens repeatedly and impacts your ability to do your job. It is also important that the harassment is connected to a protected category, such as race, gender, or age. Keeping detailed notes about what happened, including dates, times, and witnesses, can help support your case. Reporting the issue to a supervisor or human resources is often an important step before taking legal action with your Washington discrimination lawyer.
What Should I Do After Being Harassed At Work?
Start by documenting every incident. Include details such as what was said or done, when it happened, and who was involved. If your company has a reporting process, follow it and keep copies of any complaints you file. If the harassment continues or your employer fails to take appropriate action, you may want to speak with a civil rights attorney to discuss your legal options.
Can I Be Punished For Reporting Harassment?
No. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting harassment. Retaliation can include being demoted, fired, or treated unfairly after filing a complaint. If you experience retaliation, keep records of what happened and when. This information can help your employment rights attorney when you decide to file a retaliation claim.
What Types Of Compensation Are Available In Harassment Cases?
Compensation depends on the details of your case. You may be able to recover lost wages if the harassment caused you to miss work or lose your job. Emotional distress damages may also be available if the harassment caused significant stress or anxiety. In some cases, you could be awarded punitive damages, which are meant to discourage future harassment by the employer.
Contact Us Today
Taking action against workplace harassment can feel difficult, but you do not have to face it alone. At Eric Siegel Law, we help employees protect their rights and pursue fair outcomes. Over 30 years, we’ve assisted with discrimination claims, retaliation suits, and commercial litigation. Now, we’re ready to use this experience to help you. Contact us today to speak with a Washington discrimination lawyer you can trust.