Sexual Harassment
Middlesex County Sexual Harassment Lawyer – Protecting Workers’ Rights Across Edison, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, Piscataway & Perth Amboy
Sexual harassment in the workplace is not only deeply damaging—it’s illegal. Employees in Middlesex County, New Jersey, have strong protections under state and federal law, yet many workers still face unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or retaliation for speaking out. If you’ve been mistreated at work, you do not have to deal with it alone.
Charles Z. Schalk, a trusted Middlesex County employment attorney, provides compassionate and aggressive legal representation for individuals facing sexual harassment. He has helped workers throughout Edison, Woodbridge Township, Old Bridge, New Brunswick, Piscataway, and Perth Amboy hold employers accountable and fight for justice.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in Middlesex County Workplaces
Sexual harassment can take many forms, and it is not limited to one type of conduct or one industry. It can affect anyone—regardless of gender, role, or seniority. Common examples include:
- Unwanted physical contact – touching, grabbing, blocking movement.
- Offensive comments or jokes – remarks about someone’s body, appearance, or personal life.
- Sexually explicit messages – texts, emails, or notes with sexual content.
- Inappropriate displays – posters, photos, or gestures of a sexual nature.
- Coercion or pressure – being asked to provide sexual favors in exchange for promotions, raises, or job security.
In legal terms, harassment generally falls into two categories:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
This occurs when someone in power—such as a manager or supervisor—offers job benefits in exchange for sexual favors, or threatens negative consequences if the employee refuses. Even a single incident of this type of conduct can give rise to a valid claim.
Hostile Work Environment
This happens when harassment is so severe or ongoing that it creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive workplace. Examples include repeated sexual comments, constant unwanted attention, or the display of offensive materials. A hostile environment can damage your emotional health and make it nearly impossible to perform your job.
Legal Protections for Middlesex County Employees
New Jersey has some of the strongest employee protections in the nation under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Key features of the law include:
- Coverage for all employers – even small businesses are required to comply.
- Protection for contractors – independent contractors, not just employees, are covered under the LAD.
- Right to compensation – victims can pursue damages for lost income, emotional suffering, attorney’s fees, and even punitive damages in some cases.
- Ban on retaliation – employers cannot punish you for reporting harassment, filing a complaint, or participating in an investigation.
This means that no matter where you work in Middlesex County—whether for a large corporation in New Brunswick or a small business in Edison—you are protected.
Employer Responsibility
Employers have a legal duty to prevent and address sexual harassment. They must:
- Create and enforce anti-harassment policies.
- Train supervisors and staff on proper workplace conduct.
- Investigate complaints promptly and thoroughly.
- Take corrective action to stop the harassment.
If an employer fails to take these steps or ignores complaints, they may be legally responsible. Charles Z. Schalk regularly holds Middlesex County employers accountable for failing to protect workers.
Retaliation After Reporting Harassment
Many workers fear speaking up because they worry about losing their jobs or facing backlash. Retaliation is against the law. Retaliatory actions can include:
- Termination or demotion.
- Pay cuts or denial of promotions.
- Unfair negative performance reviews.
- Transfers to undesirable shifts or locations.
If you reported misconduct and your employer retaliated, you may have a separate legal claim in addition to your harassment case.
Why Victims in Middlesex County Seek Legal Help
The effects of harassment are serious. Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and career setbacks. Some are forced to leave jobs they once loved, leading to financial strain. By pursuing legal action, you not only protect your own future—you also help make workplaces across Middlesex County safer.
Charles Z. Schalk approaches each case with compassion, strategy, and determination. He has guided clients across the county in industries ranging from healthcare to education to corporate offices.
Local Focus: Serving Middlesex County
Charles Z. Schalk’s practice is rooted in Middlesex County, giving him an in-depth understanding of local courts, judges, and workplace environments. He represents clients across:
- Edison – one of the largest employment hubs in the county.
- Woodbridge Township – with its diverse businesses and workforce.
- Old Bridge Township – protecting workers in retail, education, and public service.
- Piscataway – home to major employers and Rutgers University.
- New Brunswick – a center for healthcare and higher education.
- Perth Amboy – serving workers in manufacturing, shipping, and service industries.
This local knowledge allows him to create tailored legal strategies that reflect the realities of Middlesex County workplaces.
How an Experienced Middlesex County Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment, working with an attorney can make a critical difference. Charles Z. Schalk provides:
- Confidential consultations to review your situation and explain your rights.
- Detailed investigation into employer conduct, policies, and evidence.
- Negotiation and settlement discussions to secure fair compensation without lengthy litigation, when possible.
- Aggressive trial representation if your case requires courtroom advocacy.
- Support in retaliation claims to ensure you are not punished for asserting your rights.
Every case is different, but Charles Schalk’s goal is always the same: to secure justice and fair compensation for workers who have been wronged.
Taking Action
You do not have to remain silent if you’ve been subjected to harassment. Speaking to a lawyer early ensures your rights are preserved, especially since time limits apply to these claims. By contacting Charles Z. Schalk, you gain an advocate who will fight for your dignity, career, and future.
Contact a Middlesex County Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve been harassed at work in Edison, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, Piscataway, Perth Amboy, or anywhere in Middlesex County, help is available. Charles Z. Schalk offers private, confidential consultations to review your case.Call (908) 526-0707 or use the online form to schedule your appointment. Don’t face workplace harassment alone—let a dedicated Middlesex County sexual harassment lawyer stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.
“Mr. Schalk obviously obtained a very successful verdict in a very very difficult case. This Court had an opportunity to observe Mr. Schalk throughout the trial. He certainly performed at an extremely high level . . . And to obtain the verdict that he did is a rare case . . . I feel very strongly that Mr. Schalk’s work in this case was at a very high level, a superior level and that if the 100 percent enhancement of the lodestar is in the rare case this would be the rare case in which Mr. Schalk would be entitled to that.”*”