Dealing with harassment at work can be distressing and overwhelming. For workers in Missouri facing such issues, it is helpful to know when the issue is serious enough to justify involving a lawyer. Legal counsel can provide guidance, protect your rights, and help navigate the complexities of employment law to help protect your rights and make the most of potential remedies.
Initial steps before involving a lawyer
Harassment within the workplace is illegal. It is helpful to document the harassment to help build your case. Write down information about incidents such as the date, contact information for any witnesses, and a description of the harassment.
Next, report the harassment to your employer. This often involves speaking to your supervisor or human resources department. These initial actions help establish a documented history of the harassment and your efforts to resolve the issue internally.
Signs you need a lawyer
Consider reaching out for legal counsel if the following apply:
- The harassment continues after reporting it: If your employer fails to address the harassment effectively or if the harassment escalates.
- You face retaliation: If you experience any negative job actions such as demotion, reduction in hours, or unwarranted disciplinary actions after reporting the harassment. Even a failure to get a promotion or other beneficial treatment could be forms of retaliation.
- Your work environment becomes hostile: If the harassment creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment that interferes with your ability to perform your job.
A lawyer can explain your rights under both Missouri law and federal law while also providing assistance with filing a formal complaint. If necessary, a lawyer can represent you in legal proceedings to seek remedies such as compensation for damages caused by the harassment.