Bergen County Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious violation of both personal dignity and employment rights. Workers across New Jersey, including Bergen County, have the right to perform their jobs in a safe, respectful environment free from harassment or discrimination. When those rights are violated, legal action may be necessary to protect your well-being, career, and financial security. The experienced Bergen County sexual harassment lawyers at Carcich O’Shea are committed to standing by workers who face sexual harassment and guiding them through the legal options available.

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment can take many forms and may not always be obvious. It includes unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment, affects employment decisions, or interferes with job performance. Harassment may come from a supervisor, coworker, client, or even a vendor.

There are two primary types of sexual harassment recognized in the workplace. The first is ‘quid pro quo,’ which involves a direct link between sexual conduct and employment decisions, such as promotions, raises, or continued employment. The second is ‘hostile work environment,’ where pervasive or severe conduct makes the work setting intimidating, abusive, or offensive. Both types of harassment are unlawful, and New Jersey employees are entitled to pursue remedies under state and federal law. Taking action is not only important for your own protection, but also for the benefit of others in the workplace who may be experiencing similar treatment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment does not always involve physical touching or overt sexual advances. It can include a wide range of behaviors, such as:

Inappropriate or sexually suggestive comments or jokes.
Repeated unwelcome flirtation or romantic propositions.
Displaying sexually explicit images or materials in the workplace.
Unwanted physical contact, including touching, groping, or brushing against someone.
Making employment decisions based on acceptance or rejection of sexual advances.
Sending explicit emails, texts, or social media messages.
Leering, gestures, or facial expressions of a sexual nature.
Using gender-based slurs or derogatory language.

It is important to note that harassment can occur regardless of the gender identity or sexual orientation of the victim or perpetrator. In many cases, victims may fear retaliation or job loss if they speak up, but New Jersey law provides protection against such retaliation.

Legal Protections for Workers in New Jersey

New Jersey workers are protected by both state and federal laws. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) offers strong protections against sexual harassment in the workplace. This law applies to employers of all sizes and protects workers from discrimination based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.

In addition to NJLAD, federal law—particularly Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964—provides further safeguards for employees who experience sexual harassment. These laws make it illegal for an employer to allow or perpetuate a hostile work environment or to retaliate against workers who report harassment.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

Workers who experience sexual harassment are encouraged to document the conduct and report it through the proper channels. Most employers have policies in place to handle harassment complaints, which often involve reporting the issue to a supervisor, manager, or Human Resources department.

If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, or if retaliation occurs as a result of the complaint, it may be time to speak with a lawyer. Carcich O’Shea helps clients assess the appropriate steps and ensures that complaints are properly filed with the relevant state or federal agency if needed.

It is also critical to keep records of all incidents, communications, and reports made. These records may be important evidence in proving a harassment claim.

What to Expect From a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Filing a claim for sexual harassment is a significant decision. At Carcich O’Shea, we provide clear guidance on what to expect and support our clients throughout the process. This may include:

Investigating the incidents and gathering supporting documentation.
Communicating with your employer or their legal representatives.
Filing a formal complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Negotiating a settlement, if appropriate.
Representing you in litigation if the matter proceeds to court.

The goal of legal action may include obtaining compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. In some cases, injunctive relief may also be available to force an employer to change its practices or policies to prevent future harassment.

Retaliation Is Also Unlawful

Many workers worry that speaking out about sexual harassment will result in retaliation. Retaliation can include demotion, termination, reduced hours, unfavorable assignments, or other adverse employment actions. Under New Jersey and federal law, such retaliation is illegal.

Carcich O’Shea provides legal representation not only for sexual harassment itself, but also for those who have experienced retaliation after reporting harassment or participating in an investigation. You have the right to stand up against mistreatment without fear of losing your job or career prospects.

Why Choose Carcich O’Shea?

At Carcich O’Shea, our lawyers understand the emotional and professional toll that sexual harassment can take. We approach every case with sensitivity, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our clients’ rights.

Our firm is known for its skilled legal advocacy, attention to detail, and strong client relationships. We work closely with clients throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey to ensure their voices are heard and their cases are handled with integrity. Whether the situation calls for a strategic negotiation or aggressive litigation, we are prepared to pursue the outcome you deserve.

What to Do if You Are Being Harassed at Work

If you are experiencing sexual harassment, taking immediate action can be crucial. The following steps can help protect your rights:

Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all incidents, including dates, times, locations, and the names of those involved.
Review your employer’s harassment policy: Understand the steps your company requires for reporting inappropriate conduct.
Report the harassment internally: Use your company’s established procedure to report the behavior to a supervisor or Human Resources.
Consult with a lawyer: A knowledgeable employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Do not resign without speaking to a lawyer: In many cases, quitting a job without exploring your legal options can affect your ability to pursue a claim.

Serving Workers Across Bergen County

Our firm serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Teaneck, Paramus, Fort Lee, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities. We have a deep understanding of the local legal landscape and maintain a strong presence in the region’s employment law community.

We are proud to represent workers from all industries and backgrounds who have been subjected to unlawful conduct in the workplace. Whether you work in healthcare, education, retail, technology, or any other field, you deserve respectful treatment and equal opportunities on the job.