HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT
All persons should be able to do work in a space that is safe and comfortable, which means that the space is free from harassment that leads to a hostile work environment. When a hostile work environment exists, an employee’s rights have been violated and they can seek recompense as such. At the office of Coffman Legal, LLC, our Youngstown hostile work environment attorneys can provide guidance and legal representation if you are working in a hostile work environment and your rights have been violated. Call us today to learn more.
When the behavior of co-workers, supervisors, or others in the workplace is so severe or/and pervasive that it creates an environment that is uncomfortable, intimidating, or abusive, this is considered a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment stems from continued harassment — a form of discrimination under federal law. As explained by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), harassment refers to any unwelcome conduct that is based on race, religion, color, gender, pregnancy status, age disability, national origin, or genetic information. While a single off-hand comment or remark may not be severe enough to constitute harassment and therefore be illegal, harassment constitutes discrimination — and is a violation of the law as such — when it is “severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.” If you feel uncomfortable going to work, have anxiety about going to work, feel unable to do your job property, or have considered quitting your job as a result of harassment in the office, then you are the victim of a hostile work environment.
Again, harassment that leads to a hostile work environment is illegal under federal law, and an employee who is a victim of a hostile work environment may have grounds to seek compensation as such. The only way in which an employer can avoid liability for harassment/a hostile work environment is if the employer immediately took action to correct the harassing behavior and the affected employee failed to take advantage of any opportunities presented by the employer to prevent or correct the harassment. If an employee does bring a successful claim for a hostile work environment against their employer, they may be able to seek compensation for emotional distress, any lost wages or benefits suffered due to the harassment (for example, if the employee quit their job due to the hostile work environment), punitive damages, and legal fees.
Being the victim of a hostile work environment as a result of pervasive harassment in the workplace can feel isolating. But you are not alone. At the law office of Coffman Legal, LLC, our Youngstown hostile work environment lawyer is here to represent you during every step of your claim. Our law firm has years of experience and a reputation for excellence, and can start by thoroughly reviewing your case today free of charge. Call us now to get started.