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Hostile Work Environment Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA

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State and federal employment laws prohibit employers from creating a hostile workplace. If an employer's actions are discriminatory or harassing, you may be able to sue them for creating a hostile work environment, and you may need an employment attorney. But, many employees never file a claim against their employer because they don't believe they have a winnable case, or they are afraid of retaliation. At Edgar Snyder & Associates, we will work hard to defend your workplace rights. Let us help you get the justice you deserve. Call us today at 412-520-3185, and we will review your case for free.

Can I Sue My Employer for Creating a Hostile Work Environment?

You can sue your employer for creating a hostile work environment if you can prove the actions in the workplace were so severe and offensive that they affected your workplace conditions. Certain factors are considered in hostile environment cases. These factors include:

  • The frequency of the actions
  • The severity of the actions
  • Whether the actions are physically threatening or humiliating
  • Whether the actions unreasonably interfere with an employee's work performance

It can be difficult to prove a hostile work environment case. Having a hostile work environment attorney can increase your chances of winning your case.

What Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment in Pennsylvania?

Behaviors like intimidation, hostility, or otherwise discriminatory actions constitute a hostile work environment in Pennsylvania. Hostile work environment claims fall under the overarching category of workplace harassment. In the legal world, harassment is a form of discrimination. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a behavior is considered illegal if the employer creates a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to the reasonable person. In most states, including Pennsylvania, you must be able to prove that your employer's actions were discriminatory towards your race, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, etc.

While a mean or rude employer may make it seem like you are dealing with a hostile work environment, it does not necessarily mean they are breaking any laws. Yelling or bullying in the workplace is not illegal, but if an employer's actions are severe enough that they interfere with the employee's ability to perform his or her job, it may be considered harassment in the workplace.

The distinction between an unfavorable workplace or an illegally hostile one can be confusing. The best way to find out if you have a hostile work environment case is to call our office. We will review your case for free, and there are no hourly or upfront costs to you, like you may find at other firms. Call us today at 412-520-3185.

What is an Example of a Hostile Environment?

Hostile work environment examples include discriminatory, harassing, and unwelcome actions. This can include:

  • Sexual comments and advances
  • Racial or religious jokes or comments
  • Using slurs or insensitive terms
  • Sabotaging an employee's career
  • And many more

In these instances, an employer could be found guilty of harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

If you want to file hostile work environment complaint, it is important to document everything that has occurred. Keep detailed records of specific incidents you believe are discriminatory and inappropriate. This will help your hostile work environment lawyer make a strong case against your employer and get you the justice you deserve.

What Qualifies as a Hostile Workplace?

To qualify as a hostile work environment, workplace behaviors and actions must be reoccurring, interfere with the employee's ability to complete his or her work, be unwelcoming, and be discriminatory. Many Americans believe that they are being treated unfairly in a hostile work environment, but it can be hard to tell if your employer's actions are illegal or just unfavorable. If you think you may be the victim of a hostile workplace, call us today at 412-520-3185.

Working in a Hostile Work Environment? Call Us for a Free Legal Consultation

People who are working in a hostile work environment often realize they have a case once it is too late. Our experienced team will answer every question you have and work with you to get the outcome you deserve. No one should work in a place that makes them feel scared, intimidated, uncomfortable, or harassed. Filing a hostile work environment complaint can be complicated or scary, but our staff will work with you through every step of the way.

If you are wondering what constitutes a hostile work environment, or if you have a case, contact us right away. Fill out a form or call us today at 412-520-3185 for a completely free, strictly confidential legal consultation.

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