Workplace abuse and harassment isn't something to take lightly. According to the National Safety Council, workplace violence resulted in 20,050 personal injuries and 392 fatalities in 2020. Workplace abuse and harassment can lead to serious injury and fatality if the situation escalates out of control. However, many employers don't pick up on the signs of workplace harassment or take the necessary actions to curb it. Here's a closer inspection of workplace violence and the types of actions that define them. In this article, we'll also discuss when you should take legal action by contacting a lawyer to stand up for you.

Severity Levels

Workplace harassment can range anywhere from an offhand comment to outright assault. The escalation levels depend on the situation and the aggressor's intent. Your employer's response is incredibly important. For example, if an employee assaults another employee after some time of harassment, this is illegal. It's then on the company to take action against the aggressor to ensure they don't harm anyone else. If your company doesn't take any action, it's time to seek out a lawyer to stand up for you.

Pervasiveness

Pervasive actions can lead to lingering emotional effects of shame, betrayal, fear, and more. This type of behavior is best described as an unwelcome influence or physical effect that's felt by people in a group or an area. For example, pervasive actions could be racism, sexism, bigotry, ageism, and more. Individuals who suffer from any type of prejudice in the workplace and receive no aid from their employers can take legal action against their employers for discrimination.

Consistency

Harassment that continues on a daily or frequent basis can create damaging psychological effects for an individual. Constant psychological abuse is a form of trauma. When management looks the other way, it can cause even more damage on top of it. Bullying, teasing, and more are considered illegal, but that doesn't mean that every company complies with the law. If an employer refuses to take action to create a safe workplace, legal action is necessary.

If you've fallen victim to workplace abuse or harassment, then it's time to seek legal action. We're here to help. Contact the Law Office of Janet J. Goldman today to learn how we can protect your rights in the workplace.