Protecting Your Rights: Navigating Sexual Harassment Claims with Castronovo & McKinney, LLC

 NJ sexual harassment lawyer remains a troubling issue that affects many workplaces, despite significant media coverage and increasing awareness. In New Jersey, as elsewhere, it is classified as a form of unlawful sex discrimination under both state and federal laws. For victims of harassment, understanding their rights and the resources available to them is crucial. At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate these complex issues and achieve justice. Here’s an in-depth look at sexual harassment in New Jersey and how our team can assist you.

Understanding Sexual Harassment in New Jersey

Sexual harassment encompasses a range of behaviors that create a hostile or intimidating work environment. According to New Jersey law, there are two primary types of sexual harassment:

• Quid Pro Quo Harassment: Often referred to as supervisor harassment, this occurs when a person in a position of authority demands sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits such as raises, promotions, or continued employment. This form of harassment directly ties job benefits to sexual conduct, creating a coercive environment for employees.

• Hostile Work Environment: This type involves a pattern of unwelcome and offensive conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile work environment. Such behavior can come from anyone in the workplace — supervisors, coworkers, vendors, clients, or customers — and can be severe or pervasive enough to interfere with an employee’s ability to perform their job effectively.

Sexual harassment includes:

• Visual Conduct: Staring, leering, or displaying sexually explicit images or cartoons.

• Verbal Conduct: Derogatory comments, sexual jokes, slurs, or gestures.

• Physical Conduct: Unwanted touching or sexual assault.

Other forms of harassment may involve offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors or retaliating against employees who reject sexual advances. Although women are more frequently targeted, anyone in the workplace can be a victim, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or position.

Why You Should Trust Castronovo & McKinney, LLC

At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we understand that coming forward about sexual harassment can be daunting. Victims often fear retaliation or damage to their reputations. Our experienced legal team is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.

Here’s how we can assist you:

• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique situation and explore all your options. Your case will receive the individualized attention it deserves, from initial consultation to resolution.

• Comprehensive Legal Strategy: Pursuing a sexual harassment lawsuit involves careful preparation. We will work closely with you to gather and present evidence, including:

• Documenting offensive comments and behavior.

• Addressing the harasser directly to make it clear that their behavior is unwelcome.

• Establishing a record of your complaints, whether through verbal statements or written records.

• Reporting the harassment according to company policy.

• Protection Against Retaliation: Employers are legally prohibited from retaliating against employees who report harassment. We will ensure that you are protected from any adverse employment actions, such as firing or demotion, that may arise as a result of your claim.

• Corroborating Evidence: Our team will identify and interview witnesses who can support your claims, strengthening your case and increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Steps to Strengthen Your Case

If you are dealing with sexual harassment, there are several steps you can take to build a stronger case:

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, and descriptions of the behavior. Save any relevant emails, messages, or other forms of communication.

• Address the Issue: If you feel safe doing so, address the harassment directly with the offender. Clearly state that their behavior is unwanted and must stop.

• Follow Company Procedures: Report the harassment according to your company’s policies. Ensure that you create an official record of your complaint.

• Seek Legal Advice: Contacting a knowledgeable attorney can provide you with guidance on how to proceed and what evidence is needed to support your claim.

Defending Businesses and Promoting Respectful Work Environments

In addition to representing employees, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC also provides legal counsel to businesses. We offer services to help organizations:

• Defend Against Claims: We represent businesses in sexual harassment claims, ensuring that their legal rights are protected.

• Establish Policies: We assist companies in developing and implementing effective sexual harassment policies and reporting procedures to prevent future incidents.

• Promote Respectful Workplaces: Our goal is to help create positive, respectful work environments that comply with legal standards and foster employee well-being.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, it’s important to seek help from a trusted legal team. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us at 973.920.7888 for a confidential consultation. Your rights and dignity matter, and we are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf.