Do I have a valid workplace lawsuit?

Question

In a period of three months co workers and jr supervisors that I have never spoken to except work related questions , 3 have asked me if I wear long skirts because of religion at seperate times on seperate days, no i dont i just wear long skirts and i'm short, 1 has told me i sound ghetto, no I'm not black.. one told me i'm short a jr supervisor out of the blue, never spoke to me before..walked by and said "hey you are really short"..is this harassment all put together ;would a lawyer take a case like this

Answer 1

I'm guessing not. But here's how you find out . . . call a lawyer that you see advertised during Divorce Court on tv. Ask them if they'll take your case on a contingency basis - that means, if you don't win, they don't get paid.

My guess is they'll say no - in which case, you don't have a case.

Answer 2

Doubtful, but in these days of lawsuits over spilling coffee.... who knows? But before filing a complaint or lawsuit, be sure it's worth it. If you plan on staying at your job you need to be aware that it could be an uncomfortable environment. If it was a clear cut case of harassment, then I would say file (but use the internal grievance procedure first if they have one). But since this is iffy at best, I wouldn't. But keep track of what's going on. Keep a log of incidents. Note who said what on what day and at what time. Note passed over promotions. This way if it continues you have a timeline. Speak to your supervisor (or his/her supervisor) if needed and follow up with a memo. This starts a paper trail. But you may be able to stop the comments easier. If someone says "You're short." Just respond with raised eyebrows and "excuse me?" If they are stupid enough to repeat it just ask "why would you make a comment like that?"

Answer 3

If he's in regulation enforcement, call his watch commander. they'll probably turn the screws on him. (in basic terms be professional and clarify your difficulty, calling the watch commander and putting forward you want him to f*** off and leave you on my own wont get too a lot information). keep music of what he's doing or perhaps as. Proving harrassment takes quite some documentation. different then that, report for the restraining order. in case you havent performed something incorrect, he can say all he needs about getting you in problem, yet when he archives a faux rfile he will a minimum of get fired, a lot less criminally charged.

Answer 4

It doesn't seem like harrassment exactly, but it does sound like a "difficult workplace" or whatever the correct legal term is - and an employer who allows it IS leaving themselves open to a law suit or a ruling from a state agency.

You could raise it to HR, but I would start with your state's Dept. of Employment/Labor or the Attorney General's office - not to file a complaint, but to get the information and understand your rights. THEN you can talk with HR.

Answer 5

You have a case if it's constant by one person or group of people and you have reported it to HR and they didn't take any action to correct the situation.

But, no lawyer would take that case and if you did take them to court and they were found innocent they can then in turn sue you for any fees incurred due to the lawsuit you brought against them.

Answer 6

No, I don't think you have a case. You said it yourself that you are none of the things these people suggest you are. If you WERE you would have a case because those are protected classes on basis of religion, national origina, race, age, etc. What you *do* have are some extremely rude and ignorant coworkers.

Answer 7

It's not nice, but sounds like normal office conversation to me. Depending on the situation you may let the person know that you don't appreciate their question. For what it's worth tall people get the opposite questions.

Answer 8

I don't think you have a case for a lawsuit and I think you are being a little too sensative. Maybe they are just trying to have a little conversation with you. Try it, you might like it.

Answer 9

I don't know about a lawsuit, but you work w/some pretty thoughtless people!

Answer 10

i would go to human resources and tell them what you just told us..it does sound like harassment in the workplace but I don't think you need to sue..If it bothers you speak up..