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quid pro quo harassment

Westwood Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Experiencing sexual harassment at work can be stressful, confusing, and emotionally draining. If you are a victim, you have legal rights, and you may be entitled to compensation. At Carcich O’Shea, our Westwood sexual harassment lawyers help employees in New Jersey stand up to workplace harassment and pursue justice.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment occurs when an employee experiences unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature that affects their employment. Harassment may be verbal, physical, or visual and can take many forms.

Two primary types of sexual harassment can form the basis of a legal claim:

  • Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This occurs when a supervisor or coworker demands sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits or to avoid negative consequences, such as demotion or termination.
  • Hostile Work Environment: This occurs when harassment is pervasive or severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform your job. Examples include sexual jokes, inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, and explicit materials in the workplace. A single, egregious act may also qualify as harassment in some cases.

What Should I Do If I Am Being Sexually Harassed at Work in Westwood, NJ?

  • Report It: Notify your supervisor, manager, or Human Resources. Employers have a legal duty to address complaints.
  • Document Everything: Record dates, times, locations, and details of each incident. Save emails, messages, voicemails, or photos that may support your claim.
  • Contact a Lawyer: A Westwood sexual harassment lawyer can advise you on your rights, help you protect evidence, and guide you through the legal process.

How Do I Prove Sexual Harassment in Westwood?

To succeed in a claim, you need evidence:

  • Direct Proof: Emails, texts, voicemails, photos, or videos of harassment.
  • Eyewitness Testimony: Coworkers or others who observed the harassment.
  • Circumstantial Evidence: Patterns of conduct or changes in evaluations, assignments, or promotions after harassment occurred.

Strong documentation increases your chances of obtaining compensation.

Can I File a Sexual Harassment Claim on My Own?

Before going to court, you must file with a government agency:

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Investigates complaints under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
  • New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR): Handles state claims under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD).

Agencies may mediate or investigate your claim. If they decide not to act, you may still pursue a lawsuit in state or federal court.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Harassment Claims in Westwood?

  • Federal (EEOC) Claims: Must be filed within 180 days of the last incident.
  • New Jersey Claims: Statute of limitations can extend up to 300 days under state law.
  • Other State Law Claims: Some allow up to two years from the date of the harassment.

Acting quickly is essential to preserve your legal rights.

What Compensation Can I Receive?

If your case succeeds, you may recover:

  • Back Pay: Lost wages due to harassment.
  • Future Lost Earnings: When harassment affects your career growth.
  • Emotional Distress Damages: Compensation for psychological impacts.
  • Attorneys’ Fees: Costs associated with your legal representation.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, they are designed to punish the employer.

How Can a Westwood Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help Me?

A skilled Westwood sexual harassment lawyer can:

  • Guide you through the reporting and legal process.
  • Help gather and preserve evidence.
  • Advocate for your rights during agency investigations and litigation.
  • Negotiate settlements or represent you in court to maximize compensation.

What Are Examples of Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment can take many forms, including:

  • Unwanted touching or physical advances.
  • Repeated sexual jokes or comments.
  • Displaying sexually explicit materials at work.
  • Threats, coercion, or retaliation for rejecting advances.

Each case is unique, and your lawyer can assess whether your experiences meet legal standards.

What Should I Avoid Doing After Experiencing Harassment?

  • Do not ignore it. Silence can limit your ability to file a claim.
  • Avoid confronting the harasser alone. This may escalate the situation.
  • Do not delete evidence. Emails, texts, or messages can be critical to your case.

Can I Be Retaliated Against for Filing a Claim in Westwood?

No. Federal and New Jersey laws prohibit retaliation against employees who report harassment or participate in investigations. Retaliation can include demotion, termination, negative evaluations, or other adverse employment actions.

If you experience retaliation, it can form the basis for an additional legal claim.

Why Choose Carcich O’Shea for Sexual Harassment Claims?

At Carcich O’Shea, we:

  • Have experience representing victims of workplace harassment in New Jersey.
  • Offer personalized legal strategies to protect your rights.
  • Understand the emotional and financial impacts of harassment.
  • Are committed to achieving justice and fair compensation.

Contact Our Westwood Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Carcich O’Shea

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual harassment at work, do not wait. Our Westwood sexual harassment lawyers at Carcich O’Shea are ready to help you protect your rights and pursue compensation. Call 201-988-1308 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our Hackensack office serves clients in the surrounding areas, including Bergen County, Edison Township, Middlesex County, Essex County, Morris County, and Passaic County.