Montgomery County Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Advocating for Victims of Hostile Work Environments

Having to deal with sexual harassment and discrimination every day at work can be an emotionally draining experience. While numerous laws have been passed and training on sexual harassment has become mandatory in many workplaces, complaints still persist. Sadly, it appears as though sexual harassment and discrimination will always be an issue in the workplace.

The Montgomery County sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. advocate for those who have been affected by sexual harassment. Our experienced and resourceful lawyers will investigate every aspect of your claim and move to hold those responsible liable.

Identifying a Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment is one in which discrimination and harassment are ignored or even tolerated. When supervisors turn a blind eye to misconduct, it creates a culture that embraces sexually harassing behavior. An individual may be subject to a hostile work environment if they experience the following:

Discrimination against a protected class as dictated by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission and the Civil Rights Act.
Discriminatory behavior that is pervasive. One of two off color remarks may not lead to an actionable claim.
A supervisor does not address any sexual harassment or discrimination.
The harassment is severe and impacts the employee’s ability to work or advance in his or her career.

Wrongful Termination, Retaliation Are Too Common

Many sexual harassment claims often go unreported and, therefore, unpunished. This is normally due to of a fear of retaliation. When individuals speak up about harassment—even if they are not the victims—they may suffer a wrongful termination. An experienced Montgomery County sexual harassment lawyer can see to it that individuals are reinstated after reporting harassment.

Sexual Harassment in Montgomery County is Still an Issue

Sexual harassment takes on many different forms and can be difficult to identify even though society has become more sensitive to it. Below is a list of behaviors that constitute as sexual harassment.

A coworker or supervisor pressuring an employee about meeting up for dates.
Forwarding pictures or stories that are suggestive or graphic.
Sexually suggestive remarks that refer to an individual’s physical appearance.
Touching, groping, or brushing up against someone in a provocative manner. Blocking an individual’s way can also constitute as harassment.

While on the surface many of these actions seem innocuous, in a hostile work environment they are damaging. Continuous degrading remarks and inappropriate statements can turn feelings of anger and embarrassment into helplessness and shame.

Luckily, there are ways out of a hostile work environment and sexually harassing workplace. Pennsylvania has laws that protect individuals who are suffering from repeated abuse. When these laws are broken, it can result in steep penalties for the offender and employer who let the harassment happen. A skilled employment lawyer will cite both state and federal laws in a sexual harassment suit.