Every day, a large part of the workforce’s population faces workplace harassment. This behaviour should not be tolerated and often makes work cultures sickening.
Several studies have concluded that toxic workplace environments have adverse effects on the physical and mental health of employees. A Toronto employment lawyer will help you determine the best approach to conduct yourself when facing harassment.
Roles of Employment Lawyers in Workplace Harassment Cases
Employment lawyers can assist workplace harassment victims in the following ways:
Providing Legal Advice
Those at risk of workplace harassment are supported through understanding their legal protection with the help of an employment lawyer. They can also explain definitions of harassment and guide what actions should be taken by the victims.
Investigating Claims
To address these issues, employment lawyers seek evidence through investigations into harassment claims that involve several approaches, evidence collection, witness statements and appraisal of the claim
Negotiating Settlements
There is a large number of harassment litigations that are resolved through an agreement rather than going to court. Employment lawyers can meet the employer and draft reasonable agreements that are agreeable. The aim is to resolve issues fast and in the least number of disputes.
Filing Formal Complaints
Through the use of an employment lawyer, an individual that has experienced workplace harassment can make a report with other organizations for instance the Human Rights Tribunal or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Filing a complaint with administrative bodies is also more productive in that it provides a fallback option.
Courtroom Representation
Employment lawyers also represent their clients in courts of law. They identify the issues in the case and the presenter makes the submissions and defends the client to attain the optimal outcome.
Ongoing Support
Employment lawyers additionally assist the clients by ensuring all questions are answered, any issues that come up are sorted, and informing them of any changes in the situation.
Providing Advice on Prevention Mechanisms
Employers will also be assisted by employment lawyers by being able to implement and comply with policies intended to eliminate harassment on the job. This thinking in advance improves the safety of the work environment for all.
Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an Employment Lawyer
Here are some questions to ask when hiring an employment lawyer: hire an employment lawyer.
Experience in employment law It is important to know how much experience a lawyer has when it comes to dealing with employment claims. This is essential as you want your employment attorney to understand the different employment law-related cases and how each is handled.
How often do you win cases that are similar to this one?
Ask about a lawyer’s trial experience in cases of workplace harassment. It is advisable to employ a lawyer who has a higher chances of winning the case in question.
Charges for your services, and modes of payment – what is your policy?
Make sure to ask about their fee structure beforehand. There are different ways that lawyers charge for their services, some bill on an hourly basis while others give a certain amount for the service or only compensate upon winning the case. This helps to alert you on consuming costs in the future.
Will my case be in well-informed hands?
Enquire from the law practitioner you are consulting if they will be the one in charge of your case or if you ought to expect another person. This is important, especially for people who are sure of getting a good outcome after all the interactions.
Employment lawyers have a very strong role in advocating for employee’s rights and fighting against harassment in the workplace. If employees get legal help, they can overcome difficult legal steps, and make those responsible for the harm feel the consequences.
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