Workplace harassment is very common. It can be in the form of threats, humiliation, verbal abuse, work interference, or sexual harassment. It can also be discrimination or harassing behavior related to someone’s religion, race, nationality, disability, or sexual orientation.
Usually, the bullying needs to be repeated action. Only when the harassment is severe and includes physical assault or violates the victim’s safety; a single act may be considered workplace harassment.
In case you are a victim, find a good lawyer to help you out. Use location-based searches such as a workplace harassment lawyer near me to find a local law firm specializing in workplace harassment law. You can also look for lawyers practicing all aspects of employment law.
Consider these tips to deal with workplace bullies.
File a complaint.
Many harassment victims wait to file a complaint. Perhaps they believe bullying will stop after a while. But to keep yourself safe, file a complaint sooner rather than later.
Bullies thrive on the fear of their victims. Do not let them enjoy it. File a written complaint to HR. This is a great first step. Ensure you send a copy of the complaint to the employer also at the same time you send it to HR.
If HR takes appropriate action right away, bullying may stop immediately. If it doesn’t there are other actions you can take.
Document the bullying.
If possible, document the bullying. Ask another co-worker to record the bullying next time it occurs. If the bullying takes place only when you are by yourself, try to record the verbal aspects of the bullying with your phone.
If the same bully is harassing other co-workers also, ask all of them to document the behavior. It will make your case solid. Documentation may also help if you will have no option but to take legal action against the harasser.
Be alert.
Do not let the bully take you by surprise. Ensure you do not be by yourself until the matter is resolved. If HR doesn’t follow up on your complaint, file another. If that doesn’t amount to any action either, write to your employer separately.
Consult with a lawyer.
If the bullying doesn’t stop despite your actions, seek legal counsel. Look for a local lawyer specializing in all aspects of employment law. State and federal laws often differ. Each state also has its own employment laws. So, use online search terms such as workplace harassment lawyer near me to find one in your area. They will be best suited to offer you the right counsel.
Visit a few websites you find via the search and read about the lawyers’ credentials and expertise. Schedule a free consulting session with lawyers who have good experience dealing with cases similar to your own.
Lawyers will hear you out and offer you, legal counsel. If there is scope for legal action, they will inform you. You can hire the lawyer you like and who is willing to represent you.
There is a distinction between workplace bullying and harassment. Your lawyer can help you understand it. Workplace bullying is not covered under the law. It is not an offense. A lawyer can determine if what you are experiencing is against the law depending on your state. Your bullying case may, in fact, be legally termed as harassment. If it violates any laws or covers protected categories under the law; you may have a legal case.
Protected categories cover race, gender, marital status, military status, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
If you lost your job due to bullying, you may sue your employer for wrongful termination. bullying may be related to overtime or wage laws. Only a lawyer can make sense of it and provide you with helpful information.
Be brave.
It is important to be brave when dealing with workplace bullying. It takes courage to file a complaint to the HR. It takes courage to file a legal complaint. But before you resort to these steps, try to not give the bully any chance to harass you. Stand up to your bully and refuse to bow down to any form of intimidation.
If all else fails, legal action is still your rightful recourse.
Leave a Reply