Passaic County Sexual Harassment Lawyer – Experienced Legal Representation for Workplace Sexual Harassment in Passaic County, NJ
Workplace sexual harassment is a serious issue that can have long-lasting emotional and professional effects. Employees in Passaic County, New Jersey, are protected under both state and federal laws, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Charles Z. Schalk is committed to providing strong, compassionate, and effective legal advocacy for individuals who have experienced sexual harassment. Our attorneys understand the complexities of New Jersey law and work diligently to ensure your rights are protected.
Recognizing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment can take many forms and often impacts victims’ emotional well-being and career growth. Common examples include:
- Verbal harassment: Sexual jokes, comments, or propositions.
- Physical harassment: Unwanted touching, assaults, or intimidation.
- Visual harassment: Displaying inappropriate images, gestures, or objects.
- Written harassment: Emails, texts, or notes of a sexual nature.
Employees in Passaic County should understand their rights and seek legal support to address harassment effectively.
Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment
- Quid Pro Quo: This occurs when job benefits, such as promotions or continued employment, are conditioned on submission to sexual advances. Examples include a supervisor offering a raise in exchange for sexual favors or threatening termination for refusal.
- Hostile Work Environment: This arises when repeated or severe unwelcome sexual conduct creates a workplace that is intimidating, offensive, or abusive. Examples include sexual jokes, persistent comments, unwelcome touching, or inappropriate displays of sexual material.
Legal Protections for Passaic County Workers
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD): Provides broad protections for all employees and independent contractors, covering small and large employers alike. Victims can pursue compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and attorney fees. Retaliation is prohibited.
- Employer Responsibilities: Employers must implement anti-harassment policies, conduct training, and promptly investigate complaints. Failure can lead to legal liability.
- Retaliation Protection: Employees are protected from adverse actions such as demotion, termination, or undesirable assignments for reporting harassment or participating in investigations.
Passaic County Sexual Harassment Lawyer Services
Charles Z. Schalk serves residents across Passaic County, including Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Passaic, and Totowa. Our services include:
- Free consultation and case evaluation
- Evidence gathering, including witness interviews and documentation
- Negotiation and mediation with employers
- Litigation in state and federal courts, including the Passaic County Superior Court
- Retaliation claims and enforcement of employee rights
Our attorneys craft legal strategies tailored to each client, aiming to secure justice, compensation, and accountability. We are committed to ensuring that victims of sexual harassment in Passaic County are heard and their rights are fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What should I do if I experience sexual harassment at work in Passaic County?
A: Document incidents, report to your employer if safe, and consult an experienced attorney to understand your legal rights.
Q: How much time do I have to file a sexual harassment claim?
A: Generally, you must file a complaint within 180 days with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or 300 days with the EEOC, but exceptions can apply.
Q: Can my employer be held personally liable?
A: Yes. The LAD allows individual supervisors, managers, or coworkers to be held personally accountable for harassment.
Q: What qualifies as a hostile work environment?
A: A hostile work environment occurs when repeated, unwelcome sexual conduct creates an intimidating or offensive workplace that interferes with your work.
Q: Is retaliation legal if I report harassment?
A: No. Retaliation is prohibited under New Jersey law, and an attorney can help protect you from adverse employment actions.
Contact a Passaic County Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment in Passaic County, contact Charles Z. Schalk for a confidential consultation. Our skilled attorneys will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Call (908) 526-0707 or fill out our online contact form today.
“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.”*”
