Harassment
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Ohio Workplace Harassment Lawyer
Nilges Draher LLC serves all of Ohio with offices in Columbus, Cleveland, and North Canton, OH.
"Hans and his team are very good at what they do and will fight for justice without backing down!"
– Terry J.
We all want to work in a harassment-free environment. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen. Worse than that, not all harassment is illegal.
The employment laws are very specific about conduct that rises to the level of unlawful harassment. There are two basic types of unlawful harassment: Quid pro Quo (or this for that) harassment and hostile work environment harassment. Both demand strong legal responses with the help of an Ohio employment lawyer.
If you are subject to unlawful harassment in the workplace, contact Nilges Draher LLC at 216-230-2955. We can help.
Common Workplace Harassment Issues
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo harassment generally results when an employment decision—like promotion or termination—is based on the employee’s acceptance or rejection of sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
Example: A supervisor who demotes an employee for rejecting his request for sexual favors.
Hostile Work Environment Harassment
This type of harassment often results from the unwelcome conduct of supervisors, co-workers, or anyone else with whom the employee interacts on the job. The unwelcome conduct renders the workplace atmosphere intimidating, hostile, or offensive.
Other Forms of Unlawful Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment does not have to be sexual in nature to be unlawful. Harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic is prohibited.
Examples include:
- Telling off-color jokes about race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics
- Using inappropriate terms, gestures, or epithets
Workplace Harassment in Ohio-Understanding Your Rights
In Ohio, both state and federal laws protect employees from workplace harassment. Harassment becomes unlawful when enduring offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or when the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Potect your rights and get the legal support you need by contacting a harassment lawyer today.
How Nilges Draher LLC Can Help You
If you're experiencing workplace harassment, seeking legal counsel can be a critical step toward resolution. At Nilges Draher LLC, we are committed to advocating for Ohio employees facing harassment.
Our approach includes:
Our goal is to ensure that your workplace rights are upheld and that you receive the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Harassment in Ohio
Is workplace harassment illegal in Ohio?
Yes. Under both Ohio state law and federal law, workplace harassment is illegal when it is based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. Ohio’s anti-discrimination laws, found in Chapter 4112 of the Ohio Revised Code, prohibit harassment in the workplace and allow employees to file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
What should I do if I'm being harassed at work in Ohio?
If you’re experiencing workplace harassment in Ohio, start by documenting the behavior and reporting it to your HR department or supervisor as outlined in your company’s policy. If the harassment continues or your employer fails to act, you can file a complaint with the OCRC. You generally have 6 months (180 days) from the date of the incident to file with the OCRC, or up to 300 days with the EEOC.
Can I sue my employer for workplace harassment in Ohio?
Yes, you may be able to sue your employer for workplace harassment in Ohio if internal complaints and administrative remedies (like filing with the OCRC or EEOC) fail to resolve the issue. To have a valid claim, the harassment must be severe or pervasive and based on a protected characteristic. Consulting with an experienced Ohio employment attorney can help you determine your legal options.
We talk to hundreds of employees each year who are being harassed at work. The most common question these employees ask us is “what is harassment or a hostile work environment?” and “what should I do if I am being harassed?” If you are struggling with these questions, please visit the links below.
Put your trust in Nilges Draher LLC
If you believe that you are the victim of unlawful harassment in the workplace, contact us for your free case evaluation. Our experienced harassment lawyers know what it takes to build a strong harassment case. We know what evidence to look for and what questions to ask. Find out how we can help you. We have helped countless victims of unlawful harassment in the workplace hold their employer accountable. Trust our Ohio harassment attorneys to help you, too.
Schedule your free case evaluation today. Our conversation is completely confidential and there’s no obligation – just honest answers about your legal rights.
