Linwood Sexual Harassment Lawyers
New Jersey firm assists victims and companies when claims of misconduct arise
Despite legal actions and public awareness campaigns, workplace sexual harassment remains prevalent in New Jersey and the rest of the country. If your boss has made sexual advances toward you or you find yourself subjected to cruel jokes based on gender, you deserve an attorney who can secure appropriate legal relief. Likewise, employers should have strong counsel not only when a worker makes a sexual harassment claim, but also when they are developing policies aimed at maintaining a healthy workplace and limiting their liability risk. Whatever your particular needs, Barker, Gelfand, James & Sarvas, P.C. offers exceptional insight and advocacy on legal issues relating to sexual harassment.
Quid pro quo and hostile work environment actions
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination and is barred by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination. It can consist of one of two types of conduct:
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a boss or another superior pressures an employee into providing sexual attention. The harasser might promise a promotion, raise or other job benefit if the victim gives in to their demand. They also might threaten the employee with firing, demotion or another type of punishment for not complying.
- Hostile work environment harassment arises when an employee is subjected to sex-based mistreatment that is severe or pervasive. This type of misconduct can take many forms, including offensive jokes, explicit images, unwanted touching or denigrating comments. In these cases, the harasser need not hold a superior position.
Regardless of the specific claim, employees and employers should not hesitate to take action once sexual harassment is alleged. Our firm assists workers who believe they’ve been mistreated as well as employers who have been accused of committing or permitting sexual harassment.
An employer’s legal responsibility to stop sexual harassment
New Jersey employers are required to stop sexual harassment that they know about or should know about based on the specific circumstances. There are several proactive steps that businesses can take to discourage improper behavior and to mitigate the liability risk if a claim is filed. Our sexual harassment defense attorneys draw on decades of experience handling these cases to help employers implement effective policies, establish clear reporting channels and conduct training designed to promote compliance with the law.
Experienced lawyers guide clients through the investigation process
Whether you’re seeking to prove or disprove a sexual harassment claim, you could face many different challenges. Some of these cases turn on individual interpretations. Comments and actions that might be well-received in one scenario could constitute sexual harassment in another. Whatever your situation entails, our lawyers will gather evidence in a thorough, confidential manner in order to find the truth and support your legal position. Through interviews, documents and other methods and resources, we can conduct an investigation that gives you the information you need.
Firm assists with sexual harassment resolution and prevention strategies
Prompt, private resolution of a sexual harassment claim is often in the best interests of all parties. Employees can gain relief without going through a long legal process. Businesses can focus on moving forward and preventing future problems of a similar nature. We are skillful negotiators who frequently engage in mediation to help reach settlements, thereby saving the parties time and effort. However, when fair consensus cannot be reached, our accomplished advocates handle cases in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in the New Jersey Division of Equal Employment Opportunity and in court, if necessary.
Contact a knowledgeable New Jersey attorney about your sexual harassment issue
Barker, Gelfand, James & Sarvas, P.C. advocates for claimants and employers in New Jersey sexual harassment cases. Please call 609-601-8677 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our main office is in Linwood and we meet with clients by appointment in our Pitman and Marlton satellite locations.
