At Lebau & Neuworth, we represent employees throughout Baltimore and Maryland who have faced unlawful workplace discrimination or harassment. Whether based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or appearance, no one should be treated unfairly at work — and Maryland law protects your right to a respectful workplace.
We have successfully helped clients in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, and beyond. If you've been mistreated at work, we are here to listen, guide you through your options, and fight for your rights.
What Qualifies as Discrimination or Harassment?
Workplace discrimination or harassment involves unfair or hostile treatment based on a legally protected characteristic. Common examples include:
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Sexual harassment, including inappropriate comments or unwanted advances
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Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin
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Age-related exclusion, often targeting employees over 40
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Failure to provide accommodations for a disability
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Retaliation for reporting misconduct or asserting legal rights
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Offensive conduct that creates a hostile work environment
These actions are illegal under both federal and Maryland state laws, including Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, and the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.
Legal Protection Against Hostile Work Environments
Not every unpleasant interaction at work qualifies as illegal harassment — but when conduct becomes severe or persistent enough to interfere with your job or well-being, it may rise to the level of a hostile work environment. Courts consider factors such as:
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Whether the offensive conduct was repeated or particularly severe
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Whether supervisors or management were involved or failed to act
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How the conduct impacted your work performance or health
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Whether complaints were ignored by the employer
If your employer knew about the behavior and failed to address it, they can be held legally responsible — even if they weren’t directly involved.
What Is a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile work environment is more than just rude behavior or office conflict. It’s a legal term that describes a workplace made intolerable by ongoing, targeted mistreatment related to protected characteristics like race, gender, or religion.
To meet the legal definition, the conduct often must be repeated or serious enough to interfere with your ability to work. Courts may consider whether a supervisor was involved, whether the employer failed to respond to complaints, and how the behavior impacted your well-being or job performance. In some cases, even a single, extreme incident may qualify.
If you’ve been subject to offensive behavior, unwanted touching, degrading jokes, or other serious mistreatment, we encourage you to speak with an attorney to assess whether your work environment may be considered hostile under the law.
How We Help Victims of Harassment and Discrimination
Lebau & Neuworth has successfully represented employees in courts, mediations, and before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Our team conducts thorough investigations, uncovers critical evidence, and develops strong legal strategies to protect your rights and pursue justice.
Whether you're filing an internal complaint, negotiating a severance, or preparing for litigation, we will be your advocate every step of the way. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and work toward the outcome that best serves your interests — whether that’s compensation, reinstatement, or workplace reforms.
Serving Clients Throughout Baltimore and Maryland
With an office in Baltimore and clients across the state, we serve workers in a wide range of industries and job roles. Whether you’re in Columbia, Towson, Silver Spring, Annapolis, or another part of Maryland, you can count on Lebau & Neuworth for skilled, responsive, and experienced legal support.
Contact a Maryland Discrimination & Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve been harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against at work, don’t try to navigate the process alone. The laws can be complex — and your time to file a claim may be limited. Contact Lebau & Neuworth today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your legal rights, and help you move forward with strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Maryland Workplace Discrimination & Harassment
What qualifies as workplace discrimination in Maryland?
Discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly because of a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, age (40+), disability, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. This can include being denied a promotion, receiving unequal pay, or being disciplined or terminated unfairly due to bias.
What is considered workplace harassment under Maryland law?
Workplace harassment involves unwelcome conduct that targets an individual based on a protected trait. When the behavior is severe or repeated enough to create a hostile or intimidating work environment, it may be illegal. Harassment can be verbal, physical, visual, or digital.
Is one offensive incident enough to file a harassment claim?
It depends. In many cases, harassment must be ongoing or pervasive to meet the legal standard. However, a single incident may qualify if it is particularly severe (e.g., physical assault or extreme sexual misconduct). An attorney can assess the facts of your situation.
Can I be fired for reporting discrimination or harassment?
No. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting workplace discrimination, harassment, or for participating in an investigation. If you’re punished, demoted, or fired after speaking up, you may have a separate retaliation claim.
How long do I have to file a claim in Maryland?
You generally have 180 to 300 days from the date of the discrimination or harassment to file a charge with the EEOC or Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, depending on the specifics of your case. It's important to act quickly — deadlines vary based on the type of claim.
What compensation can I receive if I win my case?
Successful discrimination or harassment claims may result in back pay, front pay, reinstatement, compensation for emotional distress, legal fees, and possibly punitive damages if the conduct was especially egregious.
Do I need proof or witnesses to file a claim?
While proof strengthens your case, you do not need a "smoking gun." Documentation, emails, text messages, and even your own testimony can be compelling evidence. We often help clients build a strong case even when evidence is limited.
What should I do if I think I'm being harassed or discriminated against?
Start documenting incidents, save any written communication, and report the behavior to your HR department (if safe to do so). Then, speak with an experienced employment attorney to understand your rights and next steps.
