Most people spend more time at work than they do at home. This makes it important to have a healthy and happy working environment. Dealing with a hostile environment at work can negatively affect an employee’s health, mood, and life outside of work. If you think you are dealing with a hostile work environment that may support a claim against your employer, you must be aware of what makes a valid claim. The claim can only be valid if you can prove the hostility is because of a protected characteristic or class or is directed at you as you engage in protected activity like race, sex, disability, and religion.
Below are signs you should work with an attorney to file a hostile work environment lawsuit:
Your Employer Has Punished You After Filing Workers’ Compensation Claim
Some employers may retaliate against employees after filing a workers’ compensation claim. Your employer may have fired or demoted you or add more duties than you originally had before you filed a claim. If any of these situations is true to yours, you might be dealing with a hostile work environment.
You Have Been Sexually Harassed by your Employer
Sexual harassment is prohibited by law. If your employer has been making inappropriate gestures, jokes, or other unacceptable behaviors, this can make your work environment hostile. Wherever you work, you must take action and consult an experienced employment law attorney if you can file a hostile work environment lawsuit.
Your Employer Did Not Promote you Because of Age
Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), people who are at least 40 years old are protected against age-based discrimination. The Act covers discrimination throughout the recruitment process, a well as forced early retirement, RIFs (Reduction in Force), benefits, compensation, and more.
You are Getting Bullied Because of your Race
If you have been demoted, harassed on the job, or punished because of your color, race, and creed, a reputable employment attorney can help you file a case. Race discrimination in the workplace is not legal under state and federal law which the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces.
You Have Been Harassed Because of your Religion
The First Amendment of the Constitution and anti-discrimination statutes protect freedom of religion. Employers must not wear clothing that can berate you due to your belief or is against your religion. Also, they are not allowed to discriminate you in all areas of employment including benefits, health insurance, and wages.