Hostile Work Environment Attorneys in Ohio
We fight for the respect you deserve
When you are hired to work for an employer, you have the right to expect to work in a respectful environment. A hostile work environment is one in which you are subjected to harassment or discrimination. It’s also a violation of federal and state laws. Our harassment and discrimination attorneys fight for your rights.
At Gibson Law, LLC, we know how employers approach cases involving a hostile work environment. That’s because we used to defend employers against claims of harassment and discrimination. Now, we fight for the rights of employees in Cincinnati and Dayton to be treated with respect at the workplace.
Examples of a hostile work environment
Employees are entitled to a workplace that is free from harassment based upon their sex, race, religion, national origin, age and disability. That includes protection from both verbal and physical harassment. Harassment is unlawful when the behavior is so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile work environment for employees.
Behavior that may establish a hostile work environment for employees includes:
- Jokes, slurs and comments about any of the protected groups.
- Dissemination of pictures, emails, videos and/or text messages that are improper.
- Objects or symbols in the workplace that are offensive.
- Being requested to engage in a sexual act in exchange for either a positive impact at work or avoiding a negative impact at work.
- Behavior that is aimed at intimidating or threatening certain protected groups.
- Inappropriately touching or fondling employees.
Cases involving a hostile work environment are complicated. You must be a member of a protected class. You must prove you were subjected to unwelcome harassment based on your membership in a protected class. You must prove that the harassment created a hostile work environment and that your employer failed to take corrective action.
Our hostile work environment lawyers know where to look for evidence in support of your claim. This evidence can include emails, voicemails, text messages or other forms of communication that included harassing language. It can include a complaint you made to your employer about the harassment. We also identify and interview witnesses to the harassing behavior whenever possible.
We fight for your rights
Our firm builds strong cases that employers have to take seriously. We also determine the damages you have suffered and demand financial compensation. These damages may include back pay if you were fired or were forced to quit, future lost wages if you can’t return to your job, medical expenses for any related physical or mental illness or injury, attorney’s fees and emotional distress.
If you are being subjected to a hostile work environment because of harassment or discrimination, it’s important to get trusted legal advice as soon as possible. Evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, and the memories of witnesses can fade.
You do not have to put up with a hostile work environment. Take the first step to protect your rights. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. Our offices are in Cincinnati and Dayton.