Bergen County Sexual Harassment Lawyer – Trusted Legal Representation for Workplace Sexual Harassment Victims in Bergen County, NJ
Sexual harassment in the workplace can have lasting emotional, professional, and financial consequences. Employees in Bergen County, New Jersey, are protected under state and federal laws, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). At the Charles Z. Schalk Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing strong, compassionate, and effective legal advocacy for individuals experiencing harassment at work. Our attorneys understand the nuances of New Jersey law and fight to protect your rights while holding employers accountable.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in New Jersey Workplaces
Sexual harassment is illegal discrimination that can take multiple forms:
- Verbal harassment: Sexual jokes, comments, or propositions.
- Physical harassment: Unwelcome touching, assaults, or intimidation.
- Visual harassment: Display of pornographic images, suggestive gestures, or objects.
- Written harassment: Emails, messages, or notes of a sexual nature.
Victims in Bergen County workplaces often suffer from anxiety, depression, and job setbacks. Understanding your legal rights under NJ law is critical to seeking justice.
Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment
- Quid Pro Quo: This occurs when job benefits such as promotions, raises, or continued employment are conditioned on submission to unwanted sexual advances. Examples include a supervisor promising advancement for sexual compliance or threatening job loss for refusal.
- Hostile Work Environment: This involves repeated or severe unwelcome sexual conduct that makes the workplace intimidating, offensive, or abusive. Examples include persistent sexual comments, display of inappropriate materials, unwelcome touching, or repeated propositions.
Legal Protections for Bergen County Employees
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD): Applies to all employers regardless of size and includes protections for independent contractors. Provides compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and attorney fees. Retaliation is strictly prohibited.
- Employer Obligations: Employers must maintain anti-harassment policies, provide training, and promptly address complaints. Failure can result in liability.
- Retaliation Protection: Employees are protected from termination, demotion, or any adverse actions for reporting harassment or participating in investigations.
Bergen County Sexual Harassment Lawyer Services
Attorney Charles Z. Schalk serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Ridgewood, and Englewood. Our legal services include:
- Initial consultation and case evaluation
- Evidence collection, witness interviews, and documentation
- Negotiation and mediation with employers
- Litigation in state and federal courts, including Bergen County Superior Court
- Retaliation claims and legal remedies
Our attorneys tailor legal strategies to each client’s specific situation, focusing on achieving justice, compensation for lost wages and emotional distress, and holding harassers and negligent employers accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What steps should I take if I face sexual harassment at work in Bergen County?
A: Document all incidents, report them to your employer if possible, and consult a qualified attorney to understand your rights under New Jersey law.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Complaints must usually be filed within 180 days with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or 300 days with the EEOC, though exceptions may apply.
Q: Can I hold my employer personally liable for sexual harassment?
A: Yes. The LAD allows for individual liability for supervisors or co-workers who engage in or enable harassment.
Q: What is a hostile work environment?
A: A hostile work environment occurs when repeated unwelcome sexual conduct interferes with your ability to work, creating intimidation or offense.
Q: Is retaliation legal if I report harassment?
A: Retaliation is illegal under New Jersey law. An attorney can protect you from demotion, termination, or other adverse actions.
Contact a Bergen County Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment in Bergen County, don’t wait. Contact Charles Z. Schalk for a confidential consultation. Our experienced attorneys will protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. Call (908) 526-0707 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
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