Workplace Harassment Lawyers, NJ

According to Forbes, almost four out of ten US workers experience workplace harassment. A toxic workplace and frequent harassment can have devastating impacts on a victim’s life, including mental health, family relationships, and career progression.

However, if you experience severe or frequent harassment at work, such as discrimination, physical violence, or threats, you could have a legal claim and recover damages. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced workplace harassment lawyers in NJ want to help. Contact us today to learn more in a free case evaluation.

What Qualifies as Harassment in NJ?

Harassment in the workplace can significantly impact employees and the entire workplace. Employment laws define harassment as unwanted or offensive behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Harassment can take many forms, including:

• Physical
• Verbal
• Nonverbal actions

Physical Harassment

Physical harassment involves unwanted or offensive physical contact at work. Examples of physical harassment include:

• Unwanted touching
• Blocking someone’s path
• Pushing a person out of the way
• Destroying someone’s personal belongings
• Physical attacks, such as hitting and kicking  

This type of harassment can be especially harmful because it creates a fear of physical harm. Physical harassment at work is illegal, regardless of the circumstances.

Verbal Harassment

Verbal harassment involves using language to intimidate, threaten, or degrade an employee or coworker. Examples of verbal harassment include:

• Name-calling
• Yelling
• Sexist jokes
• Racial slurs
• Threats

Verbal harassment, if ongoing, can create a hostile work environment and hurt employee morale and productivity. Verbal harassment is illegal if based on a person's race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristic.

Nonverbal Harassment

Nonverbal harassment does not involve words or physical contact. Examples include making obscene gestures or spreading malicious rumors about a coworker. This type of harassment can be just as damaging as verbal or physical acts, as it creates an intimidating and hostile work environment.

When Harassment at Work Is Illegal

Harassment based on a person's protected characteristic is illegal under federal and NJ state laws, such as:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD).

If you are experiencing harassment at work due to belonging to a protected class, you could have a legal claim. Protected characteristics include, among others:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Sex
• Religion
• Age
• Disability

In addition to being deeply upsetting for the affected employee, discriminatory harassment can create a toxic work environment dominated by fear and oppression.

Third-Party Harassment

Workplace harassment is not limited to comments or actions by supervisors or coworkers. Third parties, such as customers or vendors, can also engage in verbal or physical harassment of employees. Generally, it is up to the employers to prevent harassment by third parties.

Morgan & Morgan Is Here for You

If you are experiencing illegal verbal or physical workplace harassment or threats of violence, don’t put up with it and get in touch with us. Your employer might be responsible if they fail to stop an abusive coworker. Our dedicated NJ workplace harassment lawyers can determine whether you have a claim and qualify for compensation.

The Effects of Workplace Harassment

Verbal or physical workplace harassment can significantly affect an individual’s health, job performance, and career.

Employee Health

Individuals who experience harassment may experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to physical symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Insomnia

In addition to the physical impacts, employees may also experience mental health issues due to a toxic workplace, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Feelings of low self-esteem

Employees may feel isolated, hopeless, and helpless when repeatedly harassed and bullied at work. Moreover, the trauma experienced at work could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that can last for years or even a lifetime.

Employee Productivity

The mental and physical symptoms produced by workplace harassment, such as low self-esteem, insomnia, and headaches, can impact an employee's ability to perform their job duties, leading to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and even job loss.

Moreover, workplace harassment can also result in a decline in employee morale and motivation. When workers feel threatened or intimidated, they are likely to become less productive and engaged in their work. A company with a toxic work culture will have difficulty attracting new talent and retaining employees, leading to a higher turnover and increased recruitment and training costs. When a workplace is toxic, nobody wins.

Victims Could Qualify for Damages

Employees may feel the psychological scars from workplace harassment for years to come, potentially affecting their personal relationships, health, and overall quality of life. In some cases, workers may become so traumatized from a toxic work environment that they may never be able to return to work or require years of therapy to recover.

However, if you or a family member is affected, you could have legal recourse and receive damages. If you are suffering from repeated harassment at work, consult our workplace harassment lawyers in NJ to clarify your legal options and the next best steps for getting justice.

You Could Sue for Workplace Harassment in NJ

Workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by supervisors, employers, customers, and vendors. If you have experienced harassment in the workplace, you may have a claim under state and federal law. Moreover, you may also have a legal claim if you experienced retaliation for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation of harassment.

Suing an employer can be complex and challenging, requiring strong evidence. Navigating the legal system can be time-consuming, costly, and intimidating. However, our seasoned employment attorneys in NJ could help you stand up to an employer and recover damages.

Damages You Could Recover

In a workplace harassment lawsuit in New Jersey, you may be able to recover damages such as:

• Lost wages and benefits
• Lost future earnings
• Emotional distress
• Medical expenses for treatment of physical or emotional injuries
• Loss of career opportunities
• Damage to reputation
• Attorney’s fees
• Reinstatement to former position or promotion

In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages intended to punish a particularly reckless employer. Note that the compensation you could recover will depend on the laws applying to your case and other factors. A workplace harassment lawyer NJ at Morgan & Morgan can assess your claim and determine the worth of your case.