If going to work causes you anxiety or distress because of ongoing mistreatment, harassment, or bullying, you may be dealing with more than just a difficult workplace. You could be experiencing what Maryland law defines as a hostile work environment.
Maryland workers have legal protections, but many are unaware of their employee rights or unsure of how to exercise them. At Lebau & Neuworth, we help individuals understand whether your experiences meet the legal definition of a hostile work environment and guide you through the steps to assert your rights and protect yourself in the face of injustice.
A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome, discriminatory conduct becomes so frequent or severe that it creates an abusive or intimidating workplace. This conduct must interfere with an employee’s ability to perform their job and must be based on legally protected characteristics.
Under both federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) and Maryland law (MFEPA: Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act), a hostile work environment often involves harassment based on:
Recognizing when workplace behavior crosses the legal threshold can be difficult. Many employees experience hostility for months or even years before realizing they have grounds for legal action. Common signs of a hostile work environment include:
Even if the person responsible claims they were "just joking," the law evaluates how the conduct affects your ability to work, not the intent behind it. Don’t let yourself be manipulated into believing the harassment you are experiencing is normal. Reach out to an experienced workplace discrimination lawyer to discuss your potential claim.
If you believe you are working in a hostile environment, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and preserve your rights. Consider the following actions:
Employees in Maryland are protected by a combination of federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.
An experienced hostile work environment lawyer in Maryland can help you understand which laws apply to your situation and determine the best course of action to seek justice on your behalf.
There are strict deadlines for filing a workplace harassment claim. Missing these deadlines may limit your ability to seek legal remedies so it is important to act fast.
While you can file with either agency, speaking with a workplace harassment attorney can help you determine the best strategy based on the facts of your case. Filing with one agency usually protects your rights under both state and federal law.
With many employees now working remotely or in hybrid roles, workplace harassment has taken new forms. Maryland laws protect employees from harassment even when it occurs outside a traditional office setting.
Examples of remote harassment include:
If you are being harassed while working remotely, you still have full protection under Maryland employment law. The digital distance does not give anyone an excuse to make your work life worse.
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting workplace harassment or participating in an investigation. It is your employers responsibility to acknowledge what is happening and make amends. Retaliation may look like:
Even if the original harassment complaint is not ultimately proven, it is unlawful for your employer to punish you for raising concerns in good faith. Retaliation is a separate legal claim that can be pursued in addition to a harassment complaint.
If you feel unsafe, unsupported, or targeted at work, you do not have to face the situation alone. Speaking with an experienced workplace harassment attorney can help you determine whether your experience qualifies as a hostile work environment. You may be entitled to financial compensation, reinstatement, or other remedies.
At Lebau & Neuworth, we represent employees across Maryland who have been subjected to harassment, discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace. We understand the emotional and professional toll these experiences can take, and we are committed to helping you take action with confidence and dignity.
Whether you are still employed or have been forced to leave, we can help you evaluate your options and build a strong legal case.
Contact us at (410) 296-3030 to schedule a confidential free consultation.
Your workplace should be a place of respect and professionalism. If your job fails to uphold this simple responsibility to you, we can help you get the justice you deserve for your unfair treatment.