Need legal help for bullying and harassment at work

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Any legal representatives out there to assist Registered Nurses with: ongoing bullying at work; ongoing, "targeting" at work; potential serious harassment at work, Especially with individuals with noted/clinically documented/very well known mental health issues; such as: major anxiety disorder; major depressive disorders; attention deficit hyperActivity disorder

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Since you're seeking legal assistance, you may have already taken steps, such as contacting your supervisor and HR through the workplace's chain of command.

Steps to Take

  • Document everything. Keep detailed records of bullying, harassment, or targeting, including dates, times, and individuals involved. Document any communications with management or HR about these issues.
  • Seek support from your union. Contact them for guidance and legal support if you are a union member.
  • Consult with an attorney. Contact a lawyer specializing in workplace harassment or employment law to discuss your case. Many initial consultations are free or low-cost.

Labor Law Attorneys Specializing in Workplace Harassment

Many law firms specialize in employment law, particularly for healthcare workers, and can assist with bullying, harassment, and targeting in the workplace. These attorneys can help in cases where mental health issues are involved—either if the bullying or harassment is due to mental health conditions or if there is a discriminatory element.

Key areas they focus on:

  • Hostile work environment: Legal action when there is a pattern of bullying or harassment.
  • Disability discrimination: If mental health conditions lead to discriminatory behavior or unfair treatment.
  • Retaliation: If you're being targeted for raising concerns about your treatment.

How to find one: You can search for employment law firms or labor law attorneys with experience in healthcare and workplace bullying. Websites like Avvo, Justia,  and FindLa, among others, allow you to search for lawyers by specialty and location.

Here's a couple of other resources:

The National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)

What they offer: NELA is a national organization that helps employees find qualified employment lawyers. It's members are experts in workplace harassment, bullying, and discrimination, including those involving mental health issues.

Website: National Employment Lawyers Association

Psychiatric Disabilities & Workplace Harassment Attorneys

If mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, are involved and the workplace dynamics are contributing to your distress, you may want to reach out to attorneys who specialize in disability law. These lawyers focus on discrimination or harassment related to mental health conditions and may help you address situations where colleagues are making unfair or discriminatory comments based on these conditions.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) focuses on discrimination laws surrounding mental health.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance: These attorneys can help ensure your employer complies with ADA protections if you have a mental health disorder affecting your work.

State-Specific Legal Resources

Many states have workplace harassment laws and civil rights agencies that offer free legal resources or can connect you with local attorneys. For example:

California: The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) handles harassment and discrimination cases.

New York: The New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR) deals with similar cases.

I hope you get the proper help, justice, and resolution.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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