Sexual harassment remains a serious workplace issue across New Jersey, including in Woodbridge Township. No employee should have to endure unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or a hostile environment to keep their job. When workplace behavior crosses the legal line, state law provides meaningful protection.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents employees throughout Woodbridge Township and across New Jersey who believe they have experienced sexual harassment. With a practice devoted exclusively to employment law, the firm evaluates claims under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and develops strategies tailored to each client’s situation.
Two Forms of Sexual Harassment
Under the NJLAD, sexual harassment is a form of unlawful sex discrimination. It typically falls into two categories:
- Quid pro quo harassment: When a supervisor or person in authority demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits such as promotions, raises, or continued employment.
- Hostile work environment: When unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating or abusive workplace.
Harassment may come from supervisors, coworkers, vendors, clients, or customers. Employers may be held responsible if they fail to address known misconduct.
Examples of Unlawful Conduct
Sexual harassment can take many forms, including:
- Unwanted touching or physical contact
- Sexually explicit comments or jokes
- Repeated requests for dates after refusal
- Displaying inappropriate images in the workplace
- Comments about an employee’s body or appearance
The legal standard considers whether a reasonable person would view the conduct as creating a hostile or abusive work environment.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers in Woodbridge Township must maintain clear anti-harassment policies, provide accessible complaint procedures, and investigate reports promptly. Ignoring complaints or conducting superficial investigations can increase liability.
Documentation of complaints and employer responses often becomes critical evidence in evaluating a claim.
Protection from Retaliation
Employees who report sexual harassment or participate in investigations are protected from retaliation. Adverse actions such as demotion, reduced hours, negative evaluations, or termination following a complaint may constitute separate violations under the NJLAD.
Timing and consistency in employer explanations frequently play a central role in retaliation claims.
The attorneys at Castronovo & McKinney, LLC provide experienced representation grounded in a comprehensive understanding of Employment Lawyer advocacy for sexual harassment claims in Woodbridge Township.
Potential Remedies
If sexual harassment is established, employees may be entitled to back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, attorneys’ fees, and, in appropriate cases, punitive damages. Courts take harassment claims seriously due to their impact on workplace safety and dignity.
Serving Woodbridge Township and Beyond
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents clients in Woodbridge Township and throughout Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, and Morris County, including Hackensack, Newark, New Brunswick, and Morristown. The firm’s exclusive focus on employment law ensures informed and strategic representation.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
If you believe you have experienced sexual harassment in Woodbridge Township, experienced legal counsel can help you evaluate your rights and available remedies.
Address: 71 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973-920-7888
Email: tom@cmlaw.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
