Abusive behavior by bosses is fairly common. Most employees just let such behavior slide for fear of losing their jobs or retribution in any other form. But if the abusive behavior is in excess or if the situation gets too toxic for you in the workplace, it is time to take action. A toxic workplace isn’t good for anyone. You can hire an employment lawyer to represent you and help you in this situation.
Here’s how an employment lawyer can help you deal with an abusive boss.
Counsel
Abusive behavior by a boss can be in any form – bullying, extortion, physical violence, insults, harassment, or discrimination. If any form of abuse is occurring due to your age, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or nationality then there can be serious legal consequences for your boss as such discrimination comes under ‘protected categories’.
Employment law differs from state to state. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to take legal action against an abusive boss. For this reason, it is important to consult with lawyers practicing in your city or town.
You can find good lawyers via online searches. Simply use the keywords with your location; such as Glendale employment lawyer to find various law firms’ websites in your area. You can find more information on the lawyers by checking their websites. Choose a lawyer with adequate experience in handling all kinds of employment law-related cases.
Depending on your specific situation and state’ laws, an employment lawyer will provide you with the right legal counsel.
Documenting Abuse
Before you file the claim, your lawyer may ask you to start documenting the abuse. You may want to record any conversations between you and your boss. You may want to save any emails or documents that can point towards the abuse. Jotting down instances of abuse can also help you when preparing your claim. If you have medical bills for treatment of any physical abuse meted out to you by your boss then it is important that you preserve it. Your lawyer will guide you about documenting the abuse.
In case, for any reason, you decide to not file the claim (for now); the records of abuse can come in handy at a later date. Guidance about documenting instances of abuse can also be useful when you change jobs. Access to information can empower employees.
Legal Action
If the abusive behavior of the boss goes out of hand, it is time to take legal action. If abusive or offensive behavior is excessive, it can hinder your ability to work. It can also cause your mental and emotional trauma. If for some reason, you are not able to find new employment, it is imperative you take action to protect yourself from the abusive behavior of your boss. If you can afford to get in the nitty-gritty of the legal matters, then taking legal action (even if you can change jobs) will be the right thing to do. It will be the right payback for the abusive boss.
Your lawyer will provide you information on filing a claim. Once you are clear on the claim process, you will need to decide if you wish to go ahead with it. Once you file a lawsuit, there is not getting back from it. Your boss will know about it and even if you withdraw it; there is no guarantee that the situation at your workplace will improve for you. In fact, it might get worse.
In serious cases of abuse and when claim negotiations fail, you may have the option to go to trial. If the workplace abuse caused you severe psychological trauma, injuries, or impacted your ability to work productively; going to trial may be the right thing to do.
The trial will include collecting evidence to support your case. Your lawyer will try to convince as many witnesses to testify on your behalf. Powerful employers may try to interfere with the case, harm your reputation, or play foul to win the trial. But a good lawyer will protect you from such misuse of power and try to get you justice.
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