Navigating Sexual Harassment Claims: How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help You Seek Justice in New Jersey
New Jersey sexual harassment lawyer remains a critical issue in many workplaces, despite significant media attention and legislative measures aimed at combating it. In New Jersey, sexual harassment is recognized as a form of unlawful sex discrimination under both state and federal law. If you find yourself facing this troubling situation, understanding your rights and having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, our team is dedicated to advocating for victims of sexual harassment and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in New Jersey
Sexual harassment encompasses a range of behaviors that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) defines two main types of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo harassment occurs when someone in a position of authority demands sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits. This form of harassment often involves:
Supervisors or managers demanding sexual favors as a condition for promotions, raises, or continued employment.
Offering employment benefits such as bonuses or promotions in exchange for sexual acts.
This type of harassment can be particularly difficult to navigate due to the power imbalance between the harasser and the victim.
Hostile Work Environment
Hostile work environment harassment involves a pattern of unwelcome and pervasive conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive atmosphere. This can be perpetrated by:
Superiors, coworkers, vendors, clients, or customers.
Severe or repeated unwanted behavior such as leering, derogatory comments, or sexual gestures.
Examples of hostile work environment harassment include:
Visual Conduct: Staring, displaying sexually explicit images or objects, and sharing inappropriate cartoons.
Verbal Conduct: Making sexually charged jokes, comments, or gestures.
Physical Conduct: Unwanted touching or sexual assault.
In addition, retaliatory actions, such as firing or demoting an employee who refuses sexual advances, also fall under the category of sexual harassment.
Protecting Your Rights with Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
If you are experiencing sexual harassment at work, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and your career. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC offers expert legal support to victims of sexual harassment. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and is committed to standing by you every step of the way.
What to Expect When You Work with Us
When you become our client, our attorneys will:
Understand Your Circumstances: We take the time to learn about your specific situation and the nature of the harassment you’ve faced.
Explore Your Options: We’ll help you understand the various legal avenues available to you, whether through filing a complaint with your employer, pursuing legal action, or both.
Protect Your Rights: We work diligently to ensure that your rights are safeguarded throughout the legal process.
Steps to Strengthen Your Case
To build a strong sexual harassment claim, it is helpful to:
Document Offensive Conduct: Keep a detailed record of any inappropriate comments or behaviors.
Address the Offender: Clearly communicate that the behavior is unwelcome, either verbally or in writing.
Create a Record: Use company email or other formal methods to document your complaints and any responses.
Follow Company Policy: Report the harassment according to your employer’s procedures.
Our legal team will use this evidence to support your claim, interview witnesses, and build a robust case on your behalf.
Employer Retaliation and Legal Protections
It is important to know that your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment. Retaliation might include adverse actions such as:
Firing
Demotion
Reassignment
If you face retaliation, your employer can be held liable for these actions. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is committed to defending your rights and ensuring that any retaliation you experience is addressed.
Beyond Individual Claims: Helping Businesses Foster Respectful Work Environments
In addition to representing employees, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC also provides legal counsel to businesses. We help companies:
Defend Against Sexual Harassment Claims: Representing businesses in legal disputes related to sexual harassment.
Establish Policies: Creating and implementing effective sexual harassment policies and reporting procedures.
Our goal is to help both employees and employers create and maintain positive, respectful work environments.
Get the Help You Need
If you are dealing with sexual harassment in your New Jersey workplace, don't hesitate to reach out for legal support. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is here to provide the guidance and representation you need. Call us at 973.920.7888 to schedule a consultation and start taking steps toward justice.
By choosing Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, you are choosing a team dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring that justice is served.