Author:
Kimberly J. Benjamin, Founder & Managing Attorney
December 01. 2021.
Why You Need a Workplace Harassment Lawyer
If you feel your place of employment is violating your legal rights or you are receiving threats from a bully, consider retaining the services of a workplace harassment lawyer. Federal and state laws are clear. It is illegal for a business to deliberately discriminate against or allow the harassment of its employees.
Not only do companies that do so face possible penalties by the state, but they may also be targeted in a workplace harassment lawsuit. Victims can sue for financial compensation in court.
Many people consider their place of employment to be their home away from home. When they receive unwanted advances, bullying, or discrimination that makes their experience unpleasant or stressful, they are entitled to a safe and secure environment. A Kansas City discrimination lawyer could help protect you from a hostile work environment.
Hiring a Lawyer for Workplace Harassment
Employees subjected to hostility or discrimination on the job should consider hiring a lawyer for workplace harassment. According to state law, it is illegal for employers to participate in or tolerate this behavior.
If you have been a victim of Illegal workplace harassment and it has affected your ability to perform on the job or earn a living, you are entitled to compensation. Reliable and sympathetic attorneys are willing to hear your case and may be able to advocate for you if you have experienced severe bullying.
You Want the Best Lawyer for Workplace Harassment
When you face discrimination from your employer, you want the best lawyer for workplace harassment to represent your case. The Civil rights act and Missouri’s Human Rights Act make harassment illegal. Therefore, state laws protect employees from discrimination and harassment that create a hostile work environment.
Workplace harassment can be any activity that makes employees feel threatened or uncomfortable based on who they are. According to Missouri Revised Statute §213.055, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person based on their:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- National origin
- Political affiliation
- Pregnancy
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
Even though the workplace is usually considered a safe place, employees are occasionally subjected to discriminatory conditions by unfair employers and employees. Labor violations like these can result in missed promotions, lost wages or benefits, and unnecessary stress.
State laws are in place to protect employees from sexual harassment, unwanted physical conduct, verbal harassment, and workplace discrimination. Unfortunately, victims of these unethical practices are often unaware of their workplace rights and may fear retaliation if they speak out. If you or your co-workers have a harassment claim, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact local workplace harassment lawyers with experience in settlement negotiations.
Choose an Experienced Workplace Harassment Attorney
An experienced workplace harassment attorney can help you determine whether you have a claim. Unfair labor practices can take various forms, such as:
- Denial of leave
- Denial of reasonable accommodation
- Discrimination
- Employer retaliation
- Harassment
- Hour and wage violations
- Wrongful termination
Although federal laws have been created for enforcing harassment laws, it takes the advocacy and representation of a reliable law firm like the Missouri DWI and Criminal Law Center to help you sue for compensation.
Find a Lawyer for Workplace Harassment in Missouri
To successfully resolve your issues with your employer or an individual member of your organization, find a lawyer who practices litigating workplace harassment cases. Harassment comes in a couple of forms. Employers might directly harass the worker, or the company may fail to investigate discrimination that a worker has reported to the human resources department. A business can be civilly liable for either.
Can You Lawyer Up on Workplace Harassment?
Before bringing it to the attention of the human resources department or government authorities, you may want to lawyer up on workplace harassment. Lawyers in Blue Springs, MO, will assess your situation to determine whether harassment has occurred. People often characterize harassment as any treatment that feels unduly harsh or unfair.
According to the law, though, harassment is defined as behavior that is:
- Focused on the victim’s protected trait
- Offensive and unwelcome
- Repetitive or severe enough to impact the victim’s employment conditions
To successfully bring a lawsuit, your attorneys will need to prove in court that each of these is present.
What Type of Lawyer Handles Workplace Harassment?
If you are wondering what type of lawyer handles workplace harassment, you need to understand that these are civil cases and require the assistance of labor and employment lawyers. Lawsuits filed in a civil court in Missouri can request:
- Payment for missed wages if or terminated or demoted
- Reinstatement
- Reparation for attorney’s fees, emotional distress, and punitive damages
By retaining the services of a reputable law firm to represent your case, you can help reduce or eliminate workplace discrimination for yourself and others.
What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for Workplace Harassment?
So, what kind of lawyer do you need for workplace harassment? You require a local law firm with knowledge of state and federal labor laws and experience litigating similar cases in court.
Federal and state laws protect those who speak out about a hostile work environment, as well as those who directly suffer from those actions from retaliation. A worker who has filed a discrimination charge with human resources or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is protected from unlawful retaliation.
What to Consider When Hiring a Workplace Harassment Lawyer
There are several things to consider when hiring a workplace harassment lawyer. You should seek harassment lawyers experienced in the various issues surrounding employment, including discrimination based on gender and race and bullying by other employees. If you feel that workplace harassment lawyers may help you, there are specific steps you can take to start the process.
File your complaint with the Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations. This will initiate an investigation. The filer can sue the company in civil court based on the investigation. An employment lawyer may help aggrieved employees submit and pursue lawsuits caused by harassment in the workplace.
Top Qualities of a Workplace Harassment Lawyer
You should look for certain qualities in a workplace harassment lawyer to get the most out of your case. You want experience, skills, reliability, and a convenient location so you can develop a good relationship with the attorneys handling your case.
Employment law attorneys can help with the investigation, explain the laws, and demand that responsible parties make the appropriate remedies. Choose a reputable law firm like the Missouri DWI and Criminal Law Center for a free consultation.
