Workplace harassment is a common phenomenon because it comes in many forms, which some people might not even be aware of. The law recognizes all this and recommends immediate actions to prevent such behavior and protect the victims. However, unpleasant workplace situations are often unrecognized, covered up, and not reported.
Read more about identifying workplace harassment below:
https://www.business.com/articles/the-cold-hard-facts-about-workplace-bullying-and-how-to-handle-it/
Victims of workplace harassment are often afraid for their future, especially if the abusers are in higher positions than them. Also, there are factors of shame and “what others will say.” Unfortunately, the problem usually doesn’t resolve on its own but escalates, and the victim feels the most consequences.
When you decide to get in the way of that problem, the first thing you should do is address the abuser directly. If you’re afraid or don’t want direct contact with them, go with your superiors and HR. Also, you should find a skilled employment lawyer specializing in cases like yours. They will help you understand your situation and take legal steps to solve your problem for good.
What to Look For in an Employment Lawyer
Reporting workplace harassment to competent institutions is a logical sequence of circumstances when you can no longer bear the pressure and stress of going to work every day. However, before you do that, you must consult with a legal expert on the matter.
Labor attorneys in Los Angeles, of which there are many, are in charge of such cases. It’s important to find a legal representative who will understand you best, and that’s something you must not do in a hurry. By knowing the criteria your future lawyer should meet, you’ll be clear about what you’re looking for, and you’ll be able to make a good choice.
Reputation and Credentials
For starters, you can ask for recommendations from close people, neighbors, or colleagues for employment lawyers with whom they may have worked. A simple Google search like ‘employment attorney near me’ and using online lawyer directories and state bar associations can help you add a few more names to that list. Conduct research and choose a legal representative from your area because they know local labor laws and can meet with you whenever necessary.
After you make the list, do a quick reputation check. Online reviews will help you with that, as well as a peek at unbiased review websites and specialized forums where lawyers from your list are mentioned. Pay attention to what others write about them and let that be your parameter of who to eliminate from the list and who to investigate further.
When you shortlist labor lawyers with a good reputation, the next step is to check their credentials. Of course, they must be skilled and qualified to work in a legal niche. They must have formal evidence of their expertise, such as diplomas, work licenses, and labor law certificates. The latter is a good sign that you deal with an expert who knows this legal field well.
Experience
You can check the lawyers’ credentials on their websites, but it’s best to meet them in person. After checking the reputation and making a shortlist, you can arrange a meeting with them. Most labor lawyers offer free consultations, so you have the chance to learn firsthand more about the formal and practical experience of these attorneys.
Before proceeding to specific questions regarding your situation, don’t hesitate to ask the lawyer about previous experiences with similar cases. You need someone familiar with labor laws and all their intricacies, as well as with all forms of workplace harassment. These forms are explained on this link.
Those who specialize in employment law have relevant practice and a large number of solved cases in their portfolio, so you can believe in the best outcome if you decide to hire them as your legal representatives.
Great Communication Skills
If you’re a victim of workplace harassment, a lawyer is here to provide you with legal assistance but also to be your support in difficult situations, for example, if you have to confront the abuser. That’s why it’s important to find someone you trust and who makes you feel safe and protected.
Of course, lawyers in Los Angeles must be maximally professional when performing their work. But they still have to be humans, and that’s how they should talk to clients who are scared and worried about their future. So look for someone who shows genuine interest in your case and makes you feel comfortable, clearly answers your questions, and gives clear instructions during the process.
Transparent Fees
Labor lawyers in Los Angeles charge for their services, and their pricing depends on many factors. If you’re about to start legal action against abusers, you must know how much it will initially cost you. Depending on the trial outcome and lawyers’ pricing structure, you may or may not have other costs.
Take a look at the following source to learn more about the attorney’s fees:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/attorneys-fee-awards.asp
Attorneys need to be honest about their fees. You should know if they work on a commission, per hour, or if their rates are fixed, that is, if they will charge their costs after the end of the process or whether they do it for every court appearance, consultation, or any other action they take. Just make sure you know these upfront to avoid unpleasant surprises and misunderstandings.
Attorney fees can sometimes be a big obstacle. If you want to sue the abuser and know that the process will take time, the legal costs can be quite high. That is why it is very important to explain your financial situation to a lawyer and to find the best solution together. Maybe they will adjust their costs to your case and agree to pay only after the trial is over.
Finding a skilled and honest labor lawyer might take some time and effort, but it pays off. Once you find someone who is a good fit, you can react to workplace harassment, bring abusers to justice, and get safe and fair treatment.