Ideally, everyone would work in an environment free of toxic behavior, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. If you've experienced workplace harassment, know the law is on your side. Workplace harassment is unwelcome conduct based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, or disability. It is a form of employment discrimination that 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 (ADA).
At The Noble Law, an experienced Durham Workplace Harassment Attorney is here to listen to your story, help you understand your options, and provide you with the strong advocacy you need to prevail.
Understanding Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment is more than just unpleasant behavior—it is a violation of your fundamental rights as an employee. It encompasses a broad spectrum of unwanted behaviors from supervisors, colleagues, or clients that create a hostile and toxic environment. Examples include the following:
- Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate touching, suggestive comments, requests for sexual favors, offensive remarks about a person’s sex, gender, or sexual preferences, negative comments about women as a group, or displaying pornographic media.
- Racial harassment or bias is characterized by racial slurs, derogatory remarks, or exclusion based on race. The EEOC states, “The harasser can be your supervisor, a co-worker, or someone who does not work for your employer, such as a client or customer. Racial harassment can include racial slurs, jokes, or comments; racially offensive cartoons, drawings, symbols, or gestures; and other verbal or physical conduct based on an individual’s race.”
- Other types of harassment include discriminatory actions or comments related to gender identity or expression, age, religion, pregnancy, political affiliation, disability, or other protected statuses. It becomes unlawful when enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment at the workplace or the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
Employers have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent and remedy harassment. If they ignore or mishandle complaints, they can be accountable for the harm caused to employees.
The Impact of Workplace Harassment
The impact of workplace harassment can affect your mental and physical well-being, leading to sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychological distress. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and know that coming forward can feel daunting. If you or someone you know is experiencing this, documenting each incident and consulting with an experienced workplace harassment lawyer is critical for holding the responsible parties accountable.
The Role of a Workplace Harassment Lawyer
The Noble Law, a women-owned practice, is a recognized leader in employment law with offices in North Carolina and South Carolina. Our goal is to level the field for employees. We work to deliver outcomes with integrity and empathy for the client’s journey. Our success is measured by delivering positive impacts for our clients and serving as a catalyst for changes in employment law and society.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation
To make the most of your initial consultation with an experienced employment law attorney, bring critical documents such as your employment records, company policies, and any documentation you kept of each incident. Include witness contact information and copies of emails, letters, or other correspondence, including screenshots of texts related to the harassment or your formal written complaints to your employer.
These materials will help us better understand your situation and offer more effective guidance. We are here to listen to your story and answer any questions you have about the process and potential outcomes.
Speak With a Workplace Harassment Attorney
When you work with The Noble Law, you gain access to a team of employment lawyers who will work to understand your situation and help you understand your legal options. We know how deeply workplace harassment can affect you, your reputation, and your career. You deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment, and we are dedicated to defending your rights and securing the compensation you deserve for the harm you’ve experienced. Schedule a consultation with a workplace harassment lawyer in Durham, North Carolina, today.
Learn More
Here at The Noble Law, we are committed to educating our communities in North Carolina and South Carolina about employment law and their rights in the workplace. We believe part of our job as an employment law firm is to share our expertise with others. Explore our resources, including more employment law videos, and keep up with our employment law firm news by following Noble Notes.
Along with representing clients with claims of workplace harassment, sexual harassment, and workplace assault, we also represent workers in other areas of employment law. These areas include executive compensation disputes; workplace discrimination; retaliation and whistleblower; and pay, overtime, and leave. Learn more about our employment law firm’s Practice Areas and if you are interested in speaking with one of our employment attorneys in North Carolina or South Carolina, contact us today.