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In Australia, anti-discrimination laws exist to protect people from experiencing unfair treatment or harassment in the workplace and beyond. Types of harassment can range from workplace bullying to physical abuse.
Harassment claims are treated seriously by employers, law enforcers and authorities. If you're experiencing discrimination, facing a harassment claim or an employer seeking to understand workplace bullying, specialised harassment lawyers can protect your rights and help resolve a harassment issue.
Here's your guide to harassment lawyers, including how to get a free quote.
Where can I hire a harassment lawyer?
What is a harassment lawyer?
Harassment lawyers provide specialised advice and legal guidance for matters involving harassment or workplace bullying. Professional harassment lawyers help you process a harassment claim or defend harassment claims made against you in any context.
The Australian Human Rights Commission defines harassment as unlawful treatment of a person on the basis of characteristics such as their race, gender, marital status, age, disability and sexual orientation. Harassment involves offensive behaviour such as insulting jokes, derogatory comments or other explicit acts.
If you've experienced any form of harassment, a professional harassment lawyer can advise you on your options, protect your legal rights and help you take relevant action against the perpetrator.
Generally, instances of harassment in the workplace are governed by the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth), but each state also has different legislation to protect individuals from experiencing harassment in the workplace.
When should I use a harassment lawyer?
Harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of their position or socioeconomic status. Anyone experiencing harassment in the workplace should contact an expert harassment lawyer in their state to seek legal advice and guidance.
Harassment lawyers help you identify whether a type of behaviour is considered unlawful. If you suspect any form of harassment against you on the basis of disability, religion, race or gender, contacting a harassment lawyer can help you understand whether an action constitutes harassment.
If you've already submitted a harassment claim with the Fair Work Commission prior to hiring a harassment lawyer, it may still be worthwhile to connect with a trusted legal expert to understand your options, negotiate compensation or prevent ongoing mistreatment. Harassment lawyers can help set realistic expectations and gather more evidence to support your case.
In some instances, employers can also be held liable for the harassment of their employees. If an employee has submitted a harassment claim against you or another employee, seeking legal advice from a harassment lawyer can help defend your rights too.
Harassment Lawyer vs Corporate lawyer
Harassment lawyers work with an individual who has experienced harassment or is facing a harassment claim. In some instances, harassment lawyers will provide legal representation for employers and deal with workplace matters such as contracts and terminations.
Commercial lawyers represent different businesses and entities, providing legal support on matters such as contract law, intellectual property and consumer law. Commercial lawyers represent the best interests of a company and do not deal with individual matters such as harassment and discrimination.
What does a harassment lawyer do and not do?
What they will do
When you request a free quote from a harassment lawyer, you can expect legal assistance on matters involving unfair dismissal, workplace bullying, sexual harassment, redundancies or discrimination.
Harassment lawyers will help gather evidence to support your case, provide assistance with harassment claims to the Fair Work Commission or local court system and prepare a defence if your matter requires a court proceeding.
What they won't do
A qualified harassment lawyer does not provide legal assistance and support for matters relating to real estate, copyright, family law and commercial matters.
How effective are harassment lawyers?
Handling harassment claims requires sensitivity and empathy. Harassment lawyers apply expert knowledge of the law to your personal situation, providing you with tailored guidance and support to ensure you can get the fairest outcome.
A specialised harassment lawyer can help defend your legal rights and determine whether you are entitled to claim unpaid wages or request compensation. Throughout the process of submitting a harassment claim, experienced harassment lawyers can help you understand which laws best apply to your situation. Harassment lawyers will also assist you in approaching your employer or union representative. In instances where the police may be involved, harassment lawyers are effective representatives.
Harassment lawyers can also provide legal guidance and assistance to employers dealing with harassment claims within their business. With up-to-date knowledge of policies and laws relating to harassment and discrimination, a qualified harassment lawyer can provide employers with sound advice on the best course of action to take.
Do I need a harassment lawyer?
Harassment can have serious implications on an individual's health and wellbeing. If you suspect that you've experienced harassment, or if someone has submitted a harassment claim against you, hiring a harassment lawyer ensures you have access to sound advice and representation for your matter.
Dealing with harassment claims in the workplace often involves many different stakeholders such as industry unions, employers, employees and other staff who may have experienced similar instances of harassment. Harassment claims in the workplace can quickly become complicated, especially when contracts and unpaid wages are in the mix. If you're an employer facing harassment claims against yourself or another employee in the organisation, seeking assistance from a harassment lawyer can help protect your business.
Where to get a free quote for a harassment lawyer
One way to get a free quote is Lawpath. Create a free account on Lawpath to submit a request for a free quote for a harassment lawyer. Lawpath provides you with three quotes from harassment lawyers near you, giving you the option to compare quotes and connect with an experienced professional.
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