Working in a hostile environment is never pleasant. These situations can make you feel uncomfortable, scared, and intimidated.
Unfortunately, an estimated 20% of workers battle a toxic workplace, leading to depression, anxiety, and financial insecurity.
Fortunately, hostile work environment lawyers can help. Attorneys act as your legal advocate and stand up for your employee rights.
Do you think you may be a victim of a hostile work environment? If so, this post can help. It explores the signs that your workplace is toxic, how to choose the best lawyer for your case, and what to do if you think you are a victim.
Signs of a Hostile Work Environment
So, how do you know if your workplace is toxic (and not just a figment of your imagination?)
1. Discriminatory Behavior
The most obvious sign of a toxic work environment is discriminatory behavior. Employers or colleagues may harm or harass you based on your sexual identity, gender, race, age, or disability.
2. Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse is another sign of a hostile work environment. Most functional companies disallow these behaviors and consider them abnormal. However, some firms may have a habit of belittling and demeaning you in private or public.
3. Lack Of Respect
Lack of respect also signifies a hostile work environment. When people exclude, humiliate, or ridicule you, it’s usually a sign of a toxic atmosphere.
4. Unfair Discipline
Being disciplined for something you didn’t do is another issue that could fall into this category. Enforcing rules to target you selectively is unfair and unethical.
5. Retaliation
Sometimes, hostility can come from retaliation (i.e., if you are a whistleblower). Affected parties may single you out for abuse, again creating a toxic environment.
6. Unwanted Physical Contact
Finally, colleagues and managers may touch you inappropriately or fail to respect your boundaries. Things like pushing, shoving, and grabbing are surprisingly common.
Steps to Take When Facing Workplace Hostility
So, what should you do if you’re the victim of workplace hostility?
First, document everything. Record the dates, times, locations, and people involved in hostile actions.
Make sure you keep a log of what happened. Tribunals often view these records as “contemporaneous evidence,” which can hold significant weight.
Second, stay calm and remove yourself from the situation if you can. If necessary, go home. Don’t escalate.
Next, address the issue by going to a manager or supervisor. Tell them what happened and provide any evidence. Ideally, they should deal with the toxic behavior immediately, usually through disciplinary action (if it breaks the company code of conduct).
If management doesn’t solve the issue (or they are the problem), consider going to a hostile work environment lawyer. Attorneys can discuss your rights and recommend further legal action if they feel it’s necessary, including filing a formal complaint.
Simultaneously, you should consider leaving. Unaddressed, severe hostility impacting your health is reasonable grounds for resigning.
Choosing the Best Lawyer for Your Case: What Kind Of Lawyer Do I Need For A Hostile Work Environment?
Choosing the best lawyer in cases like these is essential because your livelihood and financial well-being are on the line. You need an attorney to support your case and potentially win you compensation.
But how can you find the right legal professional?
Check Their Specialization
First, see if they have experience as a hostile work environment lawyer. What cases have they worked on in the past, and were they successful?
Also, consider the complexity of your case. The more involved it is, the more you need someone with years of experience dealing with similar issues.
Check Their Track Record
Next, look at their track record. What’s their success rate?
Also, check their professional reputation. How do other lawyers rate them? Have they had disciplinary action taken against them by the state bar association?
Check Their Communication Skills
After that, talk to them to evaluate their communication skills. High-quality lawyers should be responsive and guide you throughout the process, updating you when necessary.
They should also make you feel comfortable. Top attorneys won’t pressure you into making drastic decisions or spending more money on additional packages.
Check Availability
Also, make sure your lawyer is available when you need them. Many legal professionals are busy and don’t have time to take on additional cases.
Review Their Fees And Costs
Finally, explore the attorney’s fees and costs. Do they charge a flat rate, by the hour, or only if you win?
Try to get an estimate for the total cost of pursuing the case upfront.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Wrongful Termination
As a victim of workplace harassment, you have several legal options.
One is to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This service enforces anti-discrimination laws, ensuring employers don’t fire people based on protected characteristics.
Another option is to go to a state or local “fair employment agency.” Again, these enforce anti-discrimination laws and can pursue legal action against law-breaking firms.
Finally, you can file a civil lawsuit. These are ideal for victims of racial and sexual harassment, and other forms of intimidation.
Benefits of Hiring a Hostile Work Environment Lawyer
The benefits of hiring a hostile work environment lawyer are substantial. With a legal professional by your side, you can get:
- Help with gathering evidence and putting all the necessary documentation together
- Protection against retaliation, safeguarding your rights
- Advice on the best way to report harassment or discrimination
- An objective assessment of your case and likelihood of winning
- Advice on settlement options or whether you should take the case to court
- Assistance with dealing with employer tactics if your case goes to investigation
- Full court representation if your attorney can’t win a settlement
- An approach that maximizes your compensation
How to Find the Right Legal Representation
You can find the right legal representation for hostile work environment cases at Harman Law. We advocate for victims like you, helping you get the justice you deserve. Our team can get compensation for back pay if you quit over harassment, future lost wages if you can’t return to your position, emotional distress, legal costs for attorneys, and medical costs for physical/emotional injuries.
Contact us today to learn more.
