Las Vegas Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that affects employees in all industries, leading to emotional distress, financial losses, and an unhealthy work environment. In Las Vegas, employees are protected under state and federal laws from unwelcome behavior and discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and other protected classes. If you are a victim of harassment in the workplace, understanding your rights and the legal process is crucial to protecting yourself and seeking justice.

What Is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment involves unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile work environment or interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job duties. This behavior may include verbal abuse, physical actions, or text messages that demean, threaten, or intimidate the victim. Under Nevada employment laws, harassment is unlawful when it targets a protected class, such as race, gender identity, or religion, or creates an environment that a reasonable person would find abusive.
Types of Workplace Harassment
- Sexual harassment
This includes unwelcome advances, inappropriate comments, or actions of a sexual nature. Filing a sexual harassment claim is often the first step to addressing such behavior, especially if it involves repeated incidents. - Hostile work environment harassment
A hostile work environment arises when harassment is severe, pervasive, and alters the workplace environment for the victim. Examples include racial slurs, repeated insults about gender identity, or offensive jokes about a physical or mental disability. - Discrimination-based harassment
This occurs when harassment is based on an employee’s membership in a protected class, such as national origin, sexual orientation, or religion.
Legal Protections Against Workplace Harassment
Nevada laws and federal regulations, such as those enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), prohibit workplace harassment and protect employees. These laws mandate that employers make a good faith effort to prevent and address harassment in the workplace.
Key legal protections include:
- Nevada employment laws, which require employers to investigate claims and protect employees from retaliation.
- Federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibit discrimination-based harassment and ensure equal employment opportunities.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects employees with physical or mental disabilities from harassment.
Filing a Workplace Harassment Claim
If you’re a victim of workplace harassment, taking the proper steps to build your case is essential. Filing a workplace harassment claim involves:
- Reporting to the human resources department
Notify your employer of the harassment. Some Nevada laws require employees to report incidents internally before pursuing legal action. - Documenting evidence
Keep records of incidents, including text messages, emails, or witness statements that demonstrate the unwelcome behavior. This evidence can support your claim in court. - Filing with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission or EEOC
The Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) and the EEOC both handle workplace harassment cases. Filing a claim with these agencies initiates the complaint process. - Seeking legal counsel
Consult an experienced attorney to navigate the legal process, assess your eligibility for punitive damages, and maximize your compensation.
Compensation for Workplace Harassment Victims
Victims of workplace harassment may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Compensatory damages for emotional distress, lost wages, or physical harm.
- Punitive damages, which aim to punish employers who fail to protect employees.
- Back pay, ensuring victims recover unpaid wages resulting from harassment-related job loss or demotion.
How Greenberg Gross LLP Can Help
At Greenberg Gross LLP, we specialize in representing victims of workplace harassment. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling sexual harassment claims, hostile work environment cases, and discrimination-based harassment claims. We guide victims through the legal process, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Our services include:
- Filing claims with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission or EEOC.
- Pursuing compensation for emotional distress and financial losses.
- Advocating for workplace policies that protect employees and prevent future harassment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a hostile work environment?
A hostile work environment occurs when harassment is so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment and creates an abusive work environment for the victim.
What should I do if my employer doesn’t investigate my harassment claim?
Employers are legally required to take a good faith effort to investigate harassment claims. If they fail to act, you can file a complaint with the NERC or EEOC and consult an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Can I file a workplace harassment claim if the harassment is verbal?
Yes. Verbal harassment, such as derogatory comments or slurs, can form the basis of a workplace harassment claim if it contributes to a hostile work environment.
What compensation can I receive for workplace harassment?
Compensation may include back pay, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case to determine the compensation you’re entitled to.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The time limit for filing a workplace harassment claim varies depending on the circumstances. Consulting an attorney promptly ensures your case is filed within the required timeframe.
If you’re facing workplace harassment, contact Greenberg Gross LLP for a free consultation. Our legal team is dedicated to protecting employees’ rights and helping victims achieve justice.