New Jersey Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Helping Employees Fight Sexual Misconduct at Work in NJ & Philadelphia

Sexual harassment is considered a severe form of sex-based discrimination. It can involve vulgar and cruel treatment of victims who experience demeaning and painful situations. Sexual harassment can happen to anyone. It affects people at all levels in all types of professions.

Federal and New Jersey state law both protect employees from workplace sexual harassment. You have a right to a workplace free of sexual harassment no matter where you work. However, despite protective sexual harassment laws, this form of misconduct is still pervasive in the workplace. When sexual harassment does happen, a New Jersey lawyer that specializes in harassment cases can help you stand up for yourself in court.

If you experienced unwanted conduct of a sexual nature by a coworker, supervisor, or someone else at work, we can help. Our sexual harassment attorneys in New Jersey can evaluate your sexual harassment claim and proceed with legal action.

Reach out to The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. for employment legal assistance. Contact us online or call (856) 746-6332 to arrange a free initial consultation.

How to Identify Sexual Harassment at Work

Many people who have experienced sexual harassment may be wary to report it because they are unsure if their experience qualifies. While a sexual harassment attorney can evaluate your claim, there are some ways to determine if you are a victim of sexual harassment.

It is important to remember sexual harassment can happen to anyone. Sexual harassment may also be physical or non-physical in nature. Sometimes the employee may not even be the direct recipient of abuse. They may have witnessed and been adversely affected by this abuse, creating a hostile work environment.

Common examples of sexual harassment in the workplace include:

• Any form of unwanted or inappropriate physical contact, such as unwanted sexual advances or sexual assault
• Any request for sexual favors, especially when employment benefits are conditioned upon giving in to the request (quid pro quo sexual harassment)
• Sexually explicit jokes or comments, or those that offend a particular sex (even if no direct individual is mentioned)
• Any sexually suggestive comments made about a person
• Unwelcomed sexual advances
• Images or links in emails that contain sexually explicit content
• The display of sexually offensive imagery at work

What Is a Sexually Hostile Work Environment?

A sexually hostile work environment is one where a boss or coworker’s actions, behaviors, or communications are sexual in nature. These actions occur with such frequency or severity that it is difficult or impossible for the victim to do their job.

Because sexual harassment is a form of discrimination, anyone affected by sexual misconduct can file a harassment claim. They do not need to be the direct recipient of abuse to file this type of claim.

What Is Quid Pro Quo Harassment?

The literal translation of quid pro quo is “something for something” or “this for that.”  Quid pro quo harassment is a form of sexual harassment that involves the exchange of a sexual favor for a workplace incentive. The incentive may be a promotion or raise, but it can also be threatening in nature. For example, the perpetrator can insinuate that someone will not be fired if they perform a sex act.

Any kind of transaction that requires a party to engage in or be subjected to sexual activity is quid pro quo harassment and is illegal. If someone at work makes an offer to you involving your participation in sex acts, immediately consult with an attorney.

What is the Difference Between a Hostile Environment and Quid Pro Quo Harassment?

Quid pro quo harassment and sexually hostile work environment are both illegal, but they're a little different. Quid pro quo is always deliberate and direct, whereas hostile environment may not be directed at anyone specific. Hostile work environment issues may also happen without the person creating the issue realizing their behavior is problematic. Supervisors and other authority figures are most often responsible for quid pro quo harassment while any coworker can create a hostile work environment.

If you are unsure what type of sexual harassment you have experienced it is best to contact a lawyer to help with your case. Skilled harassment lawyers from The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks can review your situation and help you decide on the best course of action.

Legal Support Through Your Sexual Harassment Claim

No one should have to endure a violation of their rights without the opportunity to seek legal recourse. In many sexual harassment cases, plaintiffs can seek monetary damages as fair and just compensation for their mistreatment at work. We can help you fight for fair and just compensation if you need to hold responsible parties accountable.

Get in touch with an employment attorney from The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks today. Schedule a consultation by completing our online contact form.