St. Louis Workplace Harassment Attorneys
Seeking Justice for Wronged Workers in Missouri
Every employee has the right to a safe and equitable work environment. If you experienced workplace harassment in St. Louis, consulting a skilled attorney is paramount to seeking justice and holding your employer accountable. Fortunately, Sedey Harper Westhoff has a proven track record of results and a nationally recognized reputation to safeguard your rights in and out of the courtroom.
From emotional and mental hardships stemming from verbal or psychological abuse to undue financial burdens resulting from wrongful termination, we understand the far-reaching impacts of a hostile work environment, which is why our workplace harassment lawyers are committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve. Our firm can work tirelessly to restore your peace of mind and economic security in the workplace.
If you experienced workplace harassment in St. Louis, our attorneys can vigorously protect your rights. Call (314) 819-0963 to schedule a consultation.
What Is Workplace Harassment?
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), workplace harassment includes any unwelcome behavior based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and other protected characteristics that creates a hostile work environment. Common examples of workplace harassment include offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, or threats that intimidate or humiliate an employee.
According to the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA), workplace harassment is unlawful when:
- It becomes a condition of continued employment, or
- The conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
Types of Workplace Harassment
Various acts constitute workplace harassment, including:
- Sexual harassment: This includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individual’s employment or creates a hostile work environment.
- Gender-based harassment: Gender-based harassment doesn't necessitate explicit sexual behavior, but refers to any negative gender stereotyping directed at a male or female employee, such as disseminating hostile written material or displaying offensive images.
- Racial harassment: Harassment based on an individual’s race refers to unfavorable treatment related to racial background, such as derogatory remarks, slurs, or offensive comments.
- Religious harassment: This occurs when a worker is harassed based on their religious beliefs or practices, such as ridicule, disparaging comments, or attempts to interfere with religious practices.
- Age-based harassment: This involves treating someone poorly because of their age, such as making age-related comments or jokes that target workers who are over the age of 40.
- Disability-based harassment: This targets individuals with disabilities through demeanor or actions that mock, exclude, or otherwise belittle due to physical or mental impairments.
- National origin harassment refers to the unfair treatment of employees based on their country of origin, accent, or ethnic background.
Signs of Workplace Harassment
Recognizing the warning signs of harassment in the workplace is critical to protecting your rights. Some common indications include:
- Isolation: If you find yourself excluded from important meetings or social events, you may be a victim of workplace harassment.
- Verbal abuse: Some examples include the use of name-calling, cruel comments, spreading rumors, or offensive language.
- Cyberbullying: From hateful social media comments to threatening emails, cyberbullying is a clear sign of workplace harassment.
- Persistent criticism: The use of feedback to berate, belittle, or humiliate employees can signal workplace harassment.
- Excessive monitoring: Excessive micromanaging, unrealistic demands, and unreasonable workloads are all signs of harassment in the workplace.
Don’t let a hostile workplace disrupt your safety and security in St. Louis. Contact us online to discuss your case with our nationally recognized attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death in Missouri
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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Workplace Harassment Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for reporting workplace harassment to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) is generally 180 days from the date of the alleged incident. Failing to take legal action within this deadline can result in the loss of eligibility to pursue legal recourse, making it essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
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Can My Employer Retaliate Against Me for Reporting Workplace Harassment?
No, it’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting workplace harassment. Under the Missouri Human Rights Act, employers are prohibited from punishing employees for making a harassment complaint or participating in an investigation. Common forms of retaliation include demotion, termination, reduced hours, or unfavorable alterations to job responsibilities.
If you have experienced any of these retaliatory behaviors at work, it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Our seasoned attorneys can review your case with a practiced legal eye and work diligently to recover the compensation you deserve.
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What Is the Difference Between Workplace Harassment & Discrimination?
While employment discrimination and workplace harassment are both illegal, they refer to distinct concepts in employment law. Some key differences include:
- Workplace harassment refers to unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work environment.
- Employment discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfavorably specifically because of a protected characteristic, resulting in adverse employment actions like demotion or wrongful termination.
A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek justice by determining the best legal recourse for your specific case.
- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.