Workplaces should be safe environments. However, with 81% of women and 43% of men reporting some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime, eliminating sexual harassment in New Jersey is difficult. Fortunately, the legal experts at Morelli Law Firm are here to help.
We are the sexual harassment attorneys that Newark trusts to handle their claims. Any type of sexual violence is traumatic, and perpetrators must be held accountable. Our professionals are experts in sexual misconduct and workplace laws. If you experienced sexual harassment at work, take legal action with our team now.
Sexual Harassment in Newark Workplaces
Employers often take advantage of workers they have power over. As a result, victims do not report the incidents due to fear of losing their jobs. Sexual harassment comes in many forms, including:
- Denying the employee equal pay or promotions
- Making unwanted sexual advances
- Using offensive language with sexual overtones
- Requesting sex in exchange for career advancements
- Making explicit comments and sexual jokes
Sexual advances and overtures have no place in New Jersey workplaces. If it happens to you, our Newark sexual harassment lawyers are ready to take on your claim and hold the perpetrators accountable.
New Jersey Laws Protect Sexual Harassment Victims
Unfortunately, many sexual harassment victims fear speaking out. Perpetrators may threaten them or use their employment as leverage. If you were a victim of sexual harassment at work, our Newark attorneys will help you obtain compensation for your trauma.
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits all forms of sexual harassment in employment. The legislation protects victims and gives them the legal right to pursue compensation and resume positions they may have lost due to the abuse.
Sexual harassment causes emotional distress, and our lawyers make sure you receive a fair settlement for your pain and suffering. We evaluate your claim, identify liable parties (there could be multiple), and take legal action against them. We fight for justice and see that you receive the financial recovery your injuries merit.
Sexual Harassment Can Happen to Anyone in New Jersey
There are numerous stereotypes revolving around sexual harassment in the workplace, and many people believe it only happens to women.
However, according to the Washington Post, men account for nearly one in five complaints of workplace sexual harassment. Unfortunately, harmful stereotypes lead to males not filing sexual harassment claims when they experience unwanted advances from employers or colleagues.
Our Newark sexual harassment attorneys recognize that sexual harassment can happen to people of all genders. Therefore, we help both men and women navigate injury claims and pursue justice from all liable parties.
Why Men Fail to File Sexual Harassment Reports
In New Jersey, men often fail to file sexual harassment claims because they:
- Fear of getting mocked by their coworkers
- Do not think it’s possible for women to sexually harass men
- Do not think their complaints will be taken seriously
- Believe it will compromise their sexuality (if the perpetrator was another man)
As a result, many men try to handle the issue themselves instead of filing an official complaint. However, the law against discrimination in New Jersey equally protects all persons in the workplace, and our lawyers represent all genders when bringing sexual harassment claims.
Newark Sexual Harassments Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Types of Sexual Harassment Claims
New Jersey recognizes and prohibits two types of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and a hostile work environment. In both cases, employers and human resources must take action to stop the harassment and ensure all employees feel safe while at work.
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs between an employee and their supervisor. For example, the supervisor may ask for sexual favors in exchange for new job opportunities. Adversely, the supervisor may threaten to fire or demote the employee if they deny their sexual advances.
Hostile Work Environment
When an employee experiences severe sexual advances, it creates an intimidating, offensive, and hostile work environment. The hostility may interfere with the employee’s work performance and make the victim feel unsafe.
Sexual harassment abusers create a hostile work environment through:
- Lewd photos and comments
- Asking victims questions about their sexual history
- Sexist remarks
- Repeatedly asking the victim on dates
- Inappropriate and offensive jokes
- Sexual gift-giving
If your employer or human resources department is aware of the hostile work environment and does nothing to help, they can be held liable in a harassment claim.
The Responsibility of Employers
Employers should take action to eliminate sexual harassment at all levels of their company. These actions should include providing training to staff about preventing sexual harassment, responding to any claims of sexual harassment, and taking the appropriate steps to remedy the situation.
Harassment Training for Staff
All staff members should go through sexual harassment training. This training should both explain what constitutes harassment and actions that can be taken to report and stop sexual harassment in the workplace. Training should cover:
- What actions are considered harassment under state and federal laws
- Policies for helping victims of sexual harassment
- Guidance on how to raise a complaint of sexual harassment if it occurs
- How to correct inappropriate behavior
- Policies for preventing harassment
Those in management positions should be provided with additional training to ensure that they don’t cross a line with an employee and make sure they understand how their actions are perceived by those working under them. This training should also detail how they should respond if an employee comes to them with a complaint.
A System for Handling Complaints
It is also essential that employers set up a system by which their employees can feel comfortable coming forth with sexual harassment complaints. Employees should know who to talk to about their complaint and be aware of the actions that will take place once their complaint has been filed.
The company should be equipped to investigate complaints and have a clear procedure for how various allegations will be handled.
Our Attorneys Bring Sexual Harassment Claims in Newark
Our Newark law firm has years of experience pursuing sexual harassment claims throughout New Jersey. We help victims recover:
- Non-economic damages (such as emotional distress and pain and suffering)
- Lost pay, bonuses, commissions, or tips
- Reinstatement into their original job position
- Lost benefits (such as 401k and PTO)
- Medical costs and psychological counseling
If you have endured sexual harassment at work, our legal professionals will help. We can evaluate your claim, identify all liable parties, and pursue a fair settlement for a harassment lawsuit on your behalf. We demand justice while you focus on recovering from your trauma.
File Your Sexual Harassment Claim on Time
If you were sexually harassed in the workplace, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim. Under LAD, a harassment victim must file a claim within two years of the date of the harassment in order to recover compensation.
However, New Jersey also abides by the “continuing violations theory.” That means that when the harassment victim has been subjected to a pattern of sexual harassment, the clock for the statute of limitations will begin on the last day that an act of harassment occurred.
We Win Sexual Harassment Claims for Newark Employees
When you partner with the experienced Newark sexual harassment lawyers at Morelli Law Firm, you receive a team with a proven track record of success. We have helped sexual assault victims obtain millions in financial retribution and are ready to do the same for you.
Our sexual harassment case results speak for themselves:
- $700,000 after a stylist was flashed by a celebrity client
- $2.3 million for women restaurant workers who were exploited at work
- $4.725 million after a female employee was raped by her manager
- $18 million against a Wall Street CEO
- $95 million for an employee who suffered sexual assault after complaining about unlawful workplace harassment
If you need a sexual harassment lawyer in Newark, trust our team to handle your claim. We are not afraid to be aggressive when suing for harassment, and we don’t stop fighting until you win.
Newark Sexual Harassment Attorneys: Pursue Justice Now
Sexual harassment is illegal, and victims deserve justice. If you need a qualified sexual harassment lawyer in Newark, NJ, trust Morelli Law Firm. Our team of experienced attorneys is ready to take on your claim and seek justice from all liable parties. Contact us for your free case review now.