Employment Harassment Lawyer Columbus Ohio
As an employee, you have a right to be able to go to work without fear of being mistreated or harassed in the workplace. Oftentimes when an employee faces harassment in the workplace, it can leave you feeling confused on how to approach the situation.
For any employee that believes they are facing harassment at work, it is important to note that there are laws in place that protect you – including federal laws.
Employment harassment can come from several different sources in the workplace including:
- A direct supervisor
- A supervisor in another area of your place of employment
- A non-employee
- A co-worker
- An agent of your employer
If you are facing employment harassment by any of the above, it can be especially important to speak with an experienced employment harassment lawyer in Ohio. Here at Coffman Legal, we understand the rights of employees and we can help guide you to the legal options that will work best for your individual situation relative to the harassment you are experiencing.
What Is Employment Harassment?
Harassment, as defined by the
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), is “unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).”
Employment harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination that violates the following:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
Although each case may be different, employment harassment is generally not considered to be annoyances, petty slights, or isolated incidents. For the behavior or conduct to be considered harassment under the law, it must generally make for an overall work environment that would be hostile or intimidating.
Some of the behaviors that might lead to such a
hostile work environment include but are not limited to:
- Sexual harassment
- Unwanted physical touch
- Physical assaults or threats
- Offensive slurs, jokes, or name-calling
- Intimidation
- Interference with an employee’s work performance
- Images that are intimidating or pornographic
Employers have a legal obligation to prevent harassment from occurring. Employees experiencing harassment may want to report to their supervisor or HR department in certain cases, but you can always consult with a workplace harassment lawyer on the situation beforehand to determine if that’s the best course of action.
If you do report the incident to someone in the workplace, they have a responsibility to take the necessary steps to investigate the complaint.
How A Columbus Workplace Harassment Lawyer Can Help You
As previously mentioned, there are both federal and state laws that offer protection to employees relative to harassment at work. An employment harassment lawyer in Ohio will be able to assist you with their expert knowledge of both federal and state laws to determine what most applies to your situation.
The laws around workplace harassment can be complex and reporting the harassment you are facing might be a multi-step process. It could involve making a report to someone in your workplace or
directly to the EEOC, who handles complaints and discrimination charges.
Should a complaint be filed with the EEOC, it can be done through their online portal or with a state or local agency.
If you are ready to file a complaint, a workplace harassment lawyer in Columbus, Ohio will be able to consult with you and guide you through the legal process and answer any questions that you may have.
Consult With A Workplace Harassment Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio Today
If you believe that you are facing workplace harassment from your supervisor, co-workers, or even customers, reach out to an employment harassment lawyer at Coffman Legal today. With our expertise in employment disputes, we can offer you legal advice and representation in cases where you are facing harassment in the workplace.
With a strong commitment to advocating for Ohio workers’ rights, our workplace harassment attorneys are ready to help you. Call us at 614-949-1181 or reach out online today for a completely free and confidential consultation.