Under the Law Against Discrimination (LAD) in New Jersey, all forms of employment discrimination are prohibited. This law bans discriminatory acts based on gender identity, sex, marital status, and sexual orientation. It applies equally to men, women, and transgenders. If you have been sexually harassed in your workplace, you should consult with a Paramus sexual harassment lawyer to know the legal steps you must take. Your lawyer will help make your harasser accountable for their actions. 

Remedies You Can Pursue

Being a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you can take advantage of incentives that the LAD offers. Workplaces must not tolerate sexual harassment. Thus, you can file a claim for monetary damages that include compensatory and punitive damages. When granted compensatory damages, you would be compensated for lost wages, medical expenses when you sustained physical or emotional injuries due to sexual harassment, as well as damages for your pain and the humiliation you have to endure. Also, attorney’s fees, injunctive relief, and costs may also be awarded.

If you have been treated unfavorably by your boss for protecting your rights, you may be able to pursue a retaliation-based claim. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against a worker for reporting illegal behaviors like sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Things You Can Do After Being Sexually Harassed at Work

As a victim, you may want workplace sexual harassment to end; however, this is often easier said than done. Employers must investigate and correct the harasser’s behavior once they get a complaint. Even if laws that prohibit sexual harassment are in place, deciding to report and file a complaint is a tough decision to make. As a result, you may consider tolerating the behavior hoping that it will stop eventually. However, you don’t have to feel like nobody cares for you and what you have been going through. Speak with an experienced sexual harassment lawyer to know your legal options and protect your rights. 

What to Expect from Your Lawyer?

Your sexual harassment attorney will be your advocate in your sexual harassment case. They will conduct a thorough investigation of your allegations and take appropriate measures to ensure your rights are protected. Also, they will get a copy of the discrimination policies of your company, get statements from witnesses, gather documentary evidence, as well as prepare and file pleadings.

Under the law, all parties involved in sexual harassment cases are required to exhaust their administrative remedies first before a lawsuit can be filed. Also, there are time limits to when you can file a sexual harassment claim, so make sure you do it promptly.