Can You Sue for Harassment at Work?

Full Video Transcript

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could prevent people from saying mean things about us? While a lot of negative and hurtful things said about someone [are] protected by freedom of speech, there are circumstances when disparaging remarks may wind up [with you] in court. For instance, disparaging comments made in the workplace may be considered verbal harassment if they affect your job performance or cause you substantial distress. Examples of verbal harassment include: berating a person in front of other people, telling racist or sexist jokes, using racial or gender slurs, threatening bodily harm, or making sexual overtures. Harassment can even go to a physical level and include actual abuse or actions that are threatening, humiliating, or otherwise offensive. If you’ve been harassed on the job, you don’t have to just grin and bear it. Contact an experienced attorney in your area for more information about how to protect your rights at work.