Sexual harassment is a serious violation of employee rights, and victims often face overwhelming emotional and professional consequences. If you’ve experienced harassment in your New Jersey workplace, it’s critical to understand that your time to take legal action is limited. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we guide victims through the legal process to ensure their claims are filed within the correct time frame—and with the strongest case possible.

What Is Considered Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment involves unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. It falls into two major categories:

• Quid Pro Quo: This occurs when job benefits such as promotions, raises, or continued employment are conditioned on the acceptance of sexual advances or favors.
• Hostile Work Environment: Repeated or severe behavior—including jokes, comments, physical contact, or displays—that makes the workplace unbearable or abusive.

Both forms are illegal under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Time Limits for Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim

New Jersey law provides multiple avenues for filing a sexual harassment complaint, each with specific time constraints. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from seeking justice:

• New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR): You must file within 180 days of the last incident of harassment.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): The federal deadline is 300 days from the last act of harassment if the employer is also covered by state law.
• Civil Lawsuit in State Court: Under NJLAD, you generally have up to 2 years to file a lawsuit in Superior Court.

Choosing the right legal path depends on your case and the remedies you seek. A knowledgeable employment lawyer can help you determine which approach is best for your situation.

Why Prompt Action Is Essential

Delaying action on a sexual harassment claim can severely weaken your case. Over time, evidence may be lost, memories fade, and witnesses become unavailable. Prompt reporting and documentation not only help you meet legal deadlines but also increase the strength and credibility of your case.

What to Do If You’ve Been Harassed

If you’ve been subjected to sexual harassment at work, consider taking these important steps immediately:

• Document everything: Keep detailed notes of incidents, including dates, times, what was said or done, and who was present.
• Report internally: File a formal complaint with your employer, HR department, or designated representative.
• Preserve evidence: Save emails, messages, photos, and other forms of communication.
• Contact an employment attorney: Legal counsel can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

Many employees fear retaliation or job loss, but the law also protects workers from being punished for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation.

How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Can Help

At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we provide supportive, confidential legal representation to individuals throughout New Jersey facing workplace sexual harassment. Our attorneys will guide you through every step—from reporting the incident and gathering evidence to filing your claim within the required deadlines and pursuing compensation for damages.

To learn more about how we support victims and help them file sexual harassment claims in New Jersey, reach out to our experienced legal team today.

Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC

Address:
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068

Phone:
(973) 358-7027

About NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC:
Our Employment Lawyers represent individuals and employees throughout the state of New Jersey. We handle cases in both State and Federal Court involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, misclassification of independent contractors, whistleblower violations, pregnancy leave, and all other lawsuits involving NJ Employment laws. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC aims to be the first call you make when presented with a legal issue. If we can’t handle your matter, we’ll refer you to someone who can ensure the best legal representation.