Can You File a Lawsuit for Verbal Harassment in the Workplace?
Are you a victim of verbal harassment at work? If so, you might be wondering if you have the right to take legal action against those responsible for your mistreatment. Here, the Nashville employment lawyers of the Employment and Commerce Law group discuss your options if you’re living with ongoing verbal abuse at work.
What is Verbal Harassment?
Verbal harassment is considered any conscious and repeated attempt to humiliate, demean, insult, or criticize someone with words. Verbal abuse can come from anyone in the workplace, from supervisors to co-workers, and can be incredibly damaging emotionally and financially. It’s one of the most common forms of workplace bullying.
Federal and Tennessee law prohibits all forms of workplace harassment, including verbal abuse.
Examples of Verbal Harassment at Work
Some examples of verbal harassment in the workplace include:
- Yelling
- Use of threatening language
- Insults or mocking
- Spreading of harmful rumors
- Intentional embarrassment
- Use of offensive language
When Can I Sue for Verbal Assault?
If you’ve been the victim of verbal abuse in the workplace and wish to take legal action, you’ll need to prove that the behavior violated the harassment standards established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This means that the abuse you suffered must have impacted your employment and likely would need to have violated your rights under one of the federally protected classes or state laws.
Suppose the verbal harassment includes discrimination or you were retaliated against for reporting verbal harassment that created a hostile work environment. In that case, you could be entitled to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for what you’ve been through. That’s where the Tennessee employment lawyers at the Employment and Commerce Law Group can help.
Verbal harassment at work can have emotional and financial consequences. For example, victims may develop mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, impacting their ability to perform their job duties, obtain promotions, and even stay employed. An employment lawyer can help you report the harassment to the appropriate authorities and take legal action to seek compensation and get your life back on track.
How to Report Verbal Harassment in the Workplace
If you believe you’re the victim of verbal abuse in the workplace, you should file a written complaint with your company’s human resources director, your supervisor, or any individual designated to receive these reports.
If you feel that you cannot report this abuse to your company or that your employer has not taken appropriate action after making a complaint, an employment lawyer can help you pursue your claim through the appropriate channels.
How a Nashville Employment Lawyer Could Help Me
If you need to talk to a lawyer about a possible verbal harassment claim in Nashville, turn to the Employment and Commerce Law Group for help. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling workplace harassment cases, and we’re prepared to handle your case with the sensitivity and compassion it deserves. Call or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation today.
