When you have been treated unfairly at work, taking the right steps to protect yourself is critical. You should never simply accept a hostile working environment.
There are federal protections to remedy this type of situation. In many cases, state laws offer even more expansive worker protections. Speaking with a skilled attorney at the firm of Morgan & Morgan can help you understand how to secure a positive outcome.
If you are being mistreated at your job, take the following proactive steps:
Document the Harassment or Unfair Treatment
The best course of action following an instance of harassment is to document the circumstances. This is especially true if you have experienced more than one incident.
Gathering evidence and documentation of the unfair treatment against you is critical for any resulting claim. Recording what you have been through will help to corroborate your version of events.
Some of the most common examples of evidence in workplace harassment cases include the following:
- Saved emails
- Text messages containing inappropriate language
- Statements from coworkers or managers
- Internal company memos
- Reports from those who witnessed the unfair treatment
This information and evidence will be critical if you pursue a workplace harassment lawsuit. As time passes, it can become difficult to recover evidence and information regarding your experience.
For that reason, you should gather evidence as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to compile detailed notes about your version of the story. This ensures that you have an accurate record of the immediate emotional and personal impacts of the unfair treatment.
Report the Unfair Treatment or Harassment
When you have been treated unfairly, it is vital to report the incident as soon as possible. In many companies, employees should contact the human resources (HR) department to report an incident or pattern of harassment.
When you report your case, make sure to take any evidence with you. This will help to support your claim and prove that you were treated unreasonably.
Failing to officially report harassment to the appropriate department may cause your employer to take your claim less seriously.
Some people mistakenly worry that they might be fired for reporting a complaint. In reality, filing a complaint will help protect you from inappropriate termination.
Employers are legally prohibited from firing employees because they have spoken out about unfair treatment. If you are wrongfully fired, this will strengthen the claim that you have been treated unfairly.
If you are concerned about possible retaliation from your employer, make sure to contact a member of the legal team at Morgan and Morgan. We have the knowledge and experience needed to effectively fight on your behalf.
Respect Your Own Needs and Feelings
You should never attempt to justify your employer’s wrongful actions. If you are being harassed or mistreated, it is not your fault.
Workplace mistreatment can cause significant levels of worry, stress, and anxiety. Victims should never downplay the harms that they have suffered. This will only make the resulting psychological damage worse.
In extreme cases, victims of harassment may also suffer physical trauma. No matter what types of damages you have experienced, never downplay your own suffering.
Maintaining a healthy amount of self-care in the aftermath of workplace harassment is critical. Family members and friends may be able to provide trustworthy advice and support.
In some instances, victims need to see a therapist or counselor to treat the emotional damage caused by workplace harassment. You should never hesitate to seek the help you need in the aftermath of being mistreated.
The caring legal professionals at Morgan & Morgan will take your claim seriously. We passionately believe that all victims deserve to seek justice when they have been harassed or treated unfairly.
Contact us immediately if you have noticed the signs of unfair treatment at work.