Workplace harassment is a form of discrimination that occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome conduct that is based on a protected characteristic, such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by law. Workplace harassment can create a hostile, intimidating, or abusive work environment that interferes with your job performance and well-being. Workplace harassment can also violate your civil rights and expose your employer to legal liability.
If you are a victim of workplace harassment in Philadelphia, you need to find legal representation as soon as possible. A Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue your claim. In this article, we will explain why you need a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer, how to find one, and what to expect from the legal process.
Why You Need a Philadelphia Workplace Harassment Lawyer
Workplace harassment cases can be complex and challenging to prove. You may face various obstacles and difficulties, such as:
- Gathering and preserving evidence to support your claim, such as emails, texts, voicemails, photos, witnesses, or records.
- Dealing with your employer or their insurance company, who may deny, minimize, or blame you for the harassment.
- Facing retaliation from your employer or co-workers, who may fire, demote, transfer, or harass you for complaining or filing a claim.
- Navigating the legal system and the various laws, rules, and procedures that apply to your case, such as the statute of limitations, the filing requirements, the discovery process, or the trial preparation.
- Negotiating a fair settlement or litigating your case in court, where you may encounter legal arguments, motions, objections, or appeals.
A Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can help you overcome these challenges and achieve a favorable outcome for your case. A Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can:
- Evaluate the strength and value of your case and advise you on your legal options.
- Gather and preserve evidence to support your claim and counter any defenses or arguments from the other side.
- Deal with your employer or their insurance company on your behalf and protect you from any intimidation, manipulation, or coercion.
- Protect you from any retaliation from your employer or co-workers and help you assert your rights and remedies.
- Navigate the legal system and the various laws, rules, and procedures that apply to your case and ensure that your claim is filed and handled properly and timely.
- Negotiate a fair settlement or litigate your case in court, where they can present your case effectively and persuasively and advocate for your best interests.
A Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
How to Find a Philadelphia Workplace Harassment Lawyer
Finding a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can be a daunting task. You may not know where to start, what to look for, or who to trust. Here are some tips and resources to help you find a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer:
- Ask for referrals. You can ask your friends, family, co-workers, or acquaintances if they know or have worked with a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer who can handle your case. You can also ask other professionals, such as your doctor, therapist, accountant, or banker, if they can recommend a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer.
- Search online. You can use online directories, websites, or search engines to find a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer who specializes in your type of case. You can use keywords, such as “Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer”, “Philadelphia employment law attorney”, or “Philadelphia discrimination lawyer”, to narrow down your search. You can also use online tools, such as Super Lawyers, Avvo, or FindLaw, to find a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer who has been rated, reviewed, or recognized by their peers and clients.
- Contact local agencies. You can contact local agencies that enforce anti-discrimination laws, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), or the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR), and ask them if they can refer you to a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer who can represent you. You can also contact local bar associations, such as the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, or the National Employment Lawyers Association, and ask them if they have a lawyer referral service or a list of Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyers who are members of their organization.
- Consult with potential lawyers. Once you have a list of potential Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyers, you should contact them and schedule a consultation. A consultation is an opportunity for you to meet with the lawyer, discuss your case, and evaluate their qualifications, experience, and personality. You should ask the lawyer questions, such as:
- How long have you been practicing employment law and workplace harassment cases?
- How many workplace harassment cases have you handled and what were the results?
- How do you communicate with your clients and how often do you update them on their case?
- How do you charge for your services and what are the costs involved in your case?
- How do you approach your cases and what are your strategies and goals?
- How confident are you in your ability to handle my case and what are the potential outcomes?
You should also bring any documents or evidence related to your case, such as your employment contract, your performance reviews, your pay stubs, your complaint letters, or your medical records, and show them to the lawyer. You should also be prepared to answer the lawyer’s questions, such as:
- When and where did the harassment occur and who was involved?
- What type of harassment did you experience and how did it affect you?
- How did you report the harassment and what was your employer’s response?
- How did the harassment impact your employment, such as your salary, benefits, promotions, or termination?
- What are your expectations and goals for your case and what are you seeking as compensation or relief?
You should consult with several Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyers and compare their answers, fees, and personalities. You should choose a Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer who has the experience, knowledge, and skills to handle your case, who communicates well and listens to your needs, and who makes you feel comfortable and confident.
What to Expect from the Legal Process
The legal process for workplace harassment cases can vary depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, the laws and rules that apply, and the actions and decisions of the parties involved. However, here are some general steps and stages that you can expect from the legal process:
- Filing a complaint with an external agency. Before you can file a lawsuit in court, you may have to file a complaint with an external agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws, such as the EEOC, the PHRC, or the PCHR. These agencies will investigate your complaint, try to mediate or conciliate a settlement, and issue a determination or a right-to-sue letter. This process can take several months or years, depending on the agency and the complexity of your case.
- Filing a lawsuit in court. If you do not receive a satisfactory resolution from the external agency, or if you receive a right-to-sue letter, you can file a lawsuit in court. You will have to file a complaint that states the facts and allegations of your case, the laws and claims that you are basing your case on, and the damages and relief that you are seeking. You will also have to serve the complaint to your employer or their lawyer. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the court and the jurisdiction of your case.
- Engaging in discovery. Discovery is the process of exchanging information and evidence between the parties. You and your employer will have to disclose and produce documents, records, witnesses, or experts that are relevant to your case. You and your employer will also have to answer written questions, called interrogatories, or oral questions, called depositions, that are related to your case. This process can take several months or years, depending on the scope and complexity of your case.
- Participating in settlement negotiations. Settlement negotiations are the process of trying to resolve your case without going to trial. You and your employer will have to discuss and agree on the terms and conditions of a settlement, such as the amount of money, the type of relief, or the confidentiality of the agreement. You and your employer may also use alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, to facilitate a settlement. This process can take place at any time during the legal process, depending on the willingness and cooperation of the parties.
- Preparing for trial. Trial is the process of presenting your case to a judge or a jury, who will decide the outcome of your case. You and your employer will have to prepare and file various motions, briefs, or exhibits that are related to your case. You and your employer will also have to prepare and present your arguments, evidence, witnesses, or experts that support your case. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the court and the schedule of your case.
- Going to trial. Trial is the final stage of the legal process, where you and your employer will have to present your case to a judge or a jury. The trial will consist of several phases, such as opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, closing arguments, jury instructions, and verdicts. The trial can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the court and the complexity of your case.
Conclusion
Workplace harassment is a serious and illegal form of discrimination that can affect your career, health, and happiness. If you are a victim of workplace harassment in Philadelphia, you should not hesitate to find legal representation as soon as possible. A Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue your claim. A Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can help you evaluate your case, gather evidence, deal with your employer, file a complaint, negotiate a settlement, or litigate your case. A Philadelphia workplace harassment lawyer can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
At Swartz Swidler LLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of employees and fighting for justice. We have extensive experience and knowledge in handling various employment law cases, such as workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations. We represent employees in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and across the nation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your situation and advise you on your legal options. We are ready to help you.
If you are looking for a trusted and experienced employment law attorney in Philadelphia, contact Swartz Swidler LLC today at (856) 685 7420 or fill out our online form. We are here to help you.
