Hunterdon County, NJ Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Protecting Workers in Hunterdon County From Harassment
Every employee in Hunterdon County deserves a safe, respectful workplace. Unfortunately, too many workers in Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Raritan Township, and across Hunterdon face sexual harassment that threatens their careers, health, and financial stability.
At the Law Office of Charles Z. Schalk, we fight for employees who have been subjected to harassment or discrimination at work. As a Hunterdon County sexual harassment lawyer, Charles Schalk provides aggressive legal advocacy combined with compassionate support, helping victims hold employers accountable and secure justice. Get in touch with our law office today!
What Is Workplace Sexual Harassment in New Jersey?
Both federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. Harassment may involve:
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Requests for sexual favors
- Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
- A hostile work environment created by offensive jokes, comments, or actions
- Retaliation for rejecting advances or filing a complaint
Sexual harassment can occur between supervisors, coworkers, or even clients. It can affect employees of any gender., or customers. Victims and harassers can be of any gender.
Types of Workplace Harassment Claims in Hunterdon County
1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment
When job benefits or continued employment are conditioned on sexual favors. Examples:
- A manager offers a raise in exchange for a date.
- An employee is fired for rejecting advances.
Even a single incident can qualify as quid pro quo harassment.
2. Hostile Work Environment
When unwelcome conduct is so severe or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or offensive workplace. Examples include:
- Repeated sexual jokes, comments, or innuendos
- Displaying explicit images or materials
- Unwanted touching or physical contact
- Spreading rumors about an employee’s sex life
Legal Protections Under New Jersey Law
The New Jersey LAD is one of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country. It applies to nearly all employers in Hunterdon County and offers broad protections, including:
- Right to sue employers and supervisors who participate in or allow harassment
- Compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
- Protection from retaliation for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation
Under federal law, Title VII also protects employees, but it applies only to employers with 15 or more workers.
Statutes of Limitations in NJ Sexual Harassment Cases
- LAD Lawsuit: Must be filed within 2 years of the last act of harassment.
- NJ Division on Civil Rights (DCR): Complaint must be filed within 180 days.
- EEOC Complaint (Title VII): Generally must be filed within 180–300 days.
Because deadlines are strict, it’s critical to speak with a Hunterdon County workplace harassment attorney as soon as possible.
Employer Responsibility & Liability
New Jersey law requires employers to take active steps to prevent and stop harassment. Employers may be liable if they:
- Fail to adopt or enforce anti-harassment policies
- Ignore employee complaints
- Neglect to train staff on proper conduct
- Allow supervisors, coworkers, or even clients/customers to harass employees
Employers who fail in these duties can be held financially responsible in court.
Services for Hunterdon County Workers
Our firm is deeply rooted in Hunterdon County and provides personalized legal services for victims of harassment, including:
- Confidential consultations to evaluate your claim
- Investigating incidents, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses
- Guiding you through internal HR complaints or company investigations
- Filing claims with the EEOC or NJ Division on Civil Rights
- Negotiating settlements with employers
- Litigating aggressively in Hunterdon County Superior Court or federal court
We serve clients across the county, including Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Milford, Stockton, and surrounding towns.
What To Do If You’ve Experienced Workplace Sexual Harassment in Hunterdon County
- Document incidents – write down dates, times, and witnesses.
- Save evidence – texts, emails, or messages that support your claim.
- Report it internally (if safe) – file a written complaint with HR or your supervisor.
- Do not quit prematurely – resigning may affect your rights; get legal advice first.
- Call a Hunterdon County sexual harassment lawyer – early action strengthens your case.
Compensation for Victims
Victims of sexual harassment in Hunterdon County may be entitled to:
- Back pay and front pay for lost income
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages (to punish unlawful conduct)
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
- Protection against retaliation
Why Choose Charles Z. Schalk?
When facing harassment, you need a local Hunterdon County employment lawyer who understands the law and the community.
- Local knowledge: Familiar with Hunterdon County courts and employers.
- Employment law focus: Extensive experience with NJ LAD and Title VII claims.
- Client-centered approach: Confidential, compassionate, and results-driven.
- Aggressive advocacy: Standing up to employers of all sizes.
Recent Developments in NJ Harassment Law
New Jersey has strengthened worker protections by:
- Limiting non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in harassment cases.
- Expanding definitions of harassment to cover more conduct.
- Increasing employer accountability for retaliation and cover-ups.
These changes mean employees in Hunterdon County have more tools than ever to fight back against workplace harassment.
Speak With a Hunterdon County Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has faced harassment at work in Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, or anywhere in Hunterdon County, don’t wait. Time limits apply, and early action can make all the difference. Call us today or contact us online. Your dignity, career, and future are worth protecting. Charles Z. Schalk is ready to fight for your rights.
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