Rockville, Maryland Employment Lawyers
Employment Law Attorneys in Rockville, MD for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
Employees may experience issues that affect their rights and their ability to earn sufficient income while working in safe and healthy environments. They may be treated unfairly by their employers, and they may suffer financial losses and other forms of harm due to illegal actions or violations of their rights. The employment law attorneys at Freedman Law, LLC can provide the guidance and support needed to address these issues effectively. We provide strong representation for employees as they address employment law issues, and we can also help employers determine the best ways to handle employee complaints and other types of legal concerns and disputes.
Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Employees may suffer serious harm if they are subject to treatment that creates a hostile and intolerable work environment. It is essential for employees to recognize sexual harassment and take action to address issues that have caused them to suffer financial or emotional harm.
Sexual harassment generally falls into two categories:
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment: An employer, manager, or supervisor may demand sexual favors from employees in return for job-related benefits, such as a promotion, raise, or continued employment. For example, a supervisor might suggest that an employee will receive a favorable performance review if they engage in a sexual relationship.
- Hostile work environment sexual harassment: This form of harassment involves unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is pervasive or severe enough to intimidate an employee, make them feel uncomfortable, or affect their ability to carry out the duties of their job. Sexual harassment could take the form of inappropriate comments, jokes, or gestures, as well as unwanted physical contact or the display of explicit materials.
Sexual harassment is illegal, and employers should take all appropriate measures to protect employees against sexual harassment and respond to complaints about inappropriate conduct. Freedman Law, LLC can help employees take steps to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they have suffered due to sexual harassment. We can help our clients seek remedies such as compensation for emotional distress and financial losses.
Combating Retaliation in the Workplace
Some employers may take illegal actions against employees in response to complaints about discrimination or harassment, reports to government agencies regarding illegal activities, or exercising their legal rights. Retaliation can take many forms, including:
- Wrongful Termination or Demotion: An employer may retaliate by firing or demoting an employee after they file a complaint or report wrongdoing.
- Negative performance evaluations: An employer might give an employee an unfairly low performance rating as a form of retaliation, affecting their ability to advance in the workplace and receive the proper compensation for the work performed.
- Reduction in hours or pay: Retaliation can also involve cutting an employee's hours or reducing their pay in response to their protected activity.
Freedman Law, LLC can help employees take the appropriate legal actions to address retaliation by their employers. We will work to prove that the adverse action a person experienced was directly related to protected activity, and we can seek remedies such as reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and other damages.
Navigating Other Employment Law Concerns
Employees in Rockville may need to address a variety of employment law issues. Freedman Law, LLC offers legal assistance to help ensure that employees' rights are protected in the workplace. We can assist with cases involving:
- Unpaid Wages and Wage Theft: An employer may not pay an employee the proper wages based on the number of hours worked. Freedman Law, LLC can assist employees in filing wage and hour claims to recover unpaid wages and ensure that they are compensated fairly for their work.
- Family Medical Leave: Eligible employees have the right to take unpaid leaves of absence for personal reasons related to medical care or family responsibilities. Some employers may deny employees their rightful leave or engage in retaliation against employees who request leave. Freedman Law, LLC can help employees enforce their rights and ensure that they can return to their former jobs after they take leave.
- Disability Accommodations: Employees may need certain accommodations in the workplace to ensure that they can address physical or mental disabilities and complete their duties effectively. If an employer denies requests for reasonable accommodations, Freedman Law, LLC can help employees take steps to protect their rights.
- Discrimination: Unfair or unequal treatment of employees is illegal when it is based on protected characteristics. Discrimination can take many forms, from unfair treatment in hiring and promotions to creating a hostile work environment. Freedman Law, LLC can help employees file discrimination claims and take legal action against employers who have violated the law.
- Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreements: Employees may be asked to sign legal agreements that will place limitations on the types of work they can perform after leaving their employer. These agreements can affect a person's future employment opportunities. Freedman Law, LLC can review severance agreements or employment contracts to ensure that they are fair and enforceable, and we can help negotiate more favorable terms or challenge the enforceability of an overly restrictive agreement.
Contact Our Rockville Discrimination and Wage Theft Attorneys
Employment law issues can be complex and challenging to address correctly. By working with an experienced employment law attorney at Freedman Law, LLC, you can make sure you will be able to protect your rights. We can help you explore your options and represent your interests in negotiations or litigation. Schedule a consultation by contacting us at 410-290-6230.