Workplace harassment refers to unwelcome conduct based on a person’s protected characteristics—such as race, sex, religion, disability, or age—that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. While this behavior can take a variety of forms, harassment becomes unlawful when it is so severe or pervasive that it interferes with an employee’s ability to do their job.
An experienced Chicago workplace harassment lawyer could evaluate the facts to determine whether your situation constitutes illegal harassment under federal and state law. An experienced employment attorney could help you understand your rights, build a strong case on your behalf, and seek compensation for the damages you have experienced. Contact Wanta Thome today to schedule a consultation with our team.
Workplace harassment can range from verbal insults and bullying to sexual advances and physical threats. The behavior may come from a superior, coworker, or even a third party, such as a client. Common examples of workplace harassment include:
Racial harassment may involve using racial slurs, making offensive jokes, or displaying racist symbols.
Making derogatory comments about a person’s gender or excluding them from meetings constitutes gender-based harassment. This is different from sexual harassment and includes refusing to use an employee’s correct pronouns.
Religious harassment often involves mocking a person’s religious garments, holidays, or traditions.
Disability harassment includes making fun of a person’s medical condition or deliberately denying reasonable accommodations.
This form of harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature. A manager or supervisor who offers a job benefit, such as a promotion or raise, in exchange for a sexual favor or threatens to fire or demote an employee for refusing sexual advances is also engaging in sexual harassment.
This is a common form of harassment involving abusive and derogatory spoken or written communication. Examples include insults, threats, offensive jokes, slurs, mocking an accent, or excessive criticism.
Workplace bullying refers to repeated, aggressive behavior that often involves a power imbalance. Tactics include sabotaging work, spreading rumors, and deliberately isolating an employee.
With the rise of remote work, harassment has extended to digital platforms. Examples of online harassment include sending offensive memes via chat apps, spreading rumors on social media, or sending threatening or inappropriate emails.
Key evidence to prove workplace harassment includes detailed records of incidents, documented communications, such as emails and texts, witness statements, and any physical evidence. It is also important to demonstrate that you reported the harassment to your employer and they failed to take prompt and appropriate action.
A Chicago attorney could ensure your case is handled within the strict timelines required by law, work to prove the harassment occurred, and establish that your employer failed to take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.
Legal remedies for harassment are designed to compensate the victim and prevent future misconduct, and may include:
A Chicago workplace harassment attorney could gather and assess evidence, file formal complaints with the appropriate agencies, and represent you in negotiations or litigation to seek compensation and remedies for the harassment you have endured.
Federal and state laws prohibit employers from retaliating against an employee who reports harassment or participates in an investigation. If your employer demotes, fires, or otherwise punishes you after a complaint, your Chicago workplace harassment lawyer could help you file a separate retaliation claim.
Our lawyers at Wanta Thome could negotiate with your employer’s legal counsel for a fair resolution. If a settlement is not possible, we will represent you in court. Contact our attorneys today to request your free case consultation.
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Stay informed, stay empowered, and remember, understanding your rights is the first step toward ensuring they are respected.