- New Jersey Sexual Harassment Lawyer
- New Jersey Retaliation Lawyer
- New Jersey Family and Medical Leave Lawyer
- New Jersey Hostile Work Environment Lawyer
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HARASSMENT
THE WORKPLACE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A RESPECTFUL, PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Employees should be treated with respect and dignity, not sexually propositioned or degraded at work. Sadly, sexual harassment remains a serious challenge in New Jersey workplaces, nearly a decade after the #MeToo movement first burst on the scene.
At The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi, we help harassed workers stand up for their rights. If you are the victim of sexual harassment, you can seek financial compensation, along with other remedies. Contact our office to speak with a Paramus sexual harassment attorney in a private consultation.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a type of employment discrimination. Harassment changes the terms of employment in ways that are unacceptable. A worker does not need to tolerate sexual harassment.
Some of the most obvious signs of sexual harassment include unwarranted sexual advances. A “quid pro quo” is an offer to promote someone if they have sex with a boss, or a threat to demote or fire an employee should they refuse. A quid pro quo is illegal.
Other harassment takes the form of sexualized conduct that makes the work environment hostile. Examples include:
- Sexual jokes or innuendo
- Sexualized nicknames
- Pornographic imagery
- Unwanted touching or flirting
- Complimenting an employee’s body or outfit
Sexual harassment can even exist if the harasser is not expressing sexual desire. For example, workers could make offensive generalizations based on gender. A co-worker might constantly say “women are stupid” or “men can’t think with their brains,” and this type of offensive commentary can create a hostile work environment.
Remedies for Sexual Harassment
Paramus employees can seek various remedies if the workplace is hostile, including:
- Job reinstatement or promotion
- Back pay
- Consequential damages
- Emotional distress damages
Let our office review the full range of remedies. You should never sign away your rights to bring a sexual harassment work.
What to Do if You Suffer Harassment
Ideally, you will immediately contact a law firm to discuss your options. We recommend the following:
- Write down what was said or what happened. Include the date and any other details.
- Identify witnesses to any harassing conduct. Did a coworker see a boss proposition you or overhear offensive commentary.
- Complain to your boss or HR about a hostile workplace. Your employer needs to be on notice.
FAQs Regarding Sexual Harassment in Paramus
Can men be victims of sexual harassment?
Yes. A man can be victimized by women or by another man. The key is whether the conduct qualifies as a quid pro quo or makes the workplace sufficiently hostile.
Can I bring a sexual harassment claim if I don’t quit?
Yes. There is no obligation that you suffer a mental breakdown and quit your job. Harassment can be sufficiently serious even if you continue to work.
Can I bring a sexual harassment claim for an offensive joke?
It depends on the overall work environment. A quid pro quo, by itself, is enough for harassment. But if you are claiming a hostile work environment, then we need to analyze the totality of the circumstances. Typically, one stray comment is not enough, but we need to know the facts.
Contact a Paramus Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Attorney Usmaan Sleemi believes in empowering workers to stand up for themselves. We can provide advice about what steps to take, and we can analyze whether to file a discrimination claim with the state or federal government.