Philadelphia Hostile Work Environment Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys Fighting Harassment and Toxic Workplace Culture Across PA & NJ

At Freundlich & Littman, LLC, we understand that a hostile work environment can take a devastating toll on your mental health, job performance, and professional reputation. You should never have to endure constant harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in your workplace. If you are facing threats, slurs, or unfair treatment based on your race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected characteristic, you may be entitled to compensation under both state and federal employment laws.

Our team has successfully represented thousands of workers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Camden, Trenton, and beyond who were forced to navigate toxic workplaces. Whether your claim involves physical threats, racial hostility, sexual harassment, or targeted bullying, we are prepared to hold employers accountable and protect your rights.

What is a Hostile Work Environment?

A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome conduct—based on a legally protected category—is so severe or pervasive that it creates an abusive, intimidating, or offensive atmosphere. To be legally actionable, the behavior must be:

• Based on a protected trait (race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, etc.)
• Unwelcome and offensive to a reasonable person
• Severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of your employment

Real-World Examples of Hostile Work Environment

• Racial slurs or epithets repeated by coworkers or supervisors
• Persistent sexual comments, unwanted touching, or explicit images
• Threatening or demeaning language directed at LGBTQ+ employees
• Repeated jokes, memes, or conversations that mock a religion
• Bullying or isolation based on disability, pregnancy, or national origin
• Retaliation or increased scrutiny after making a complaint

Legal Protections Against Workplace Harassment

You are protected under the following laws:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Covers discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, sex, and more
• Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) – Covers all PA employers with 4+ employees
• New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) – One of the broadest civil rights laws in the country

These laws make it illegal for employers to create or tolerate a hostile work environment. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against you for reporting abuse or supporting another employee’s complaint.

Common Traits of Hostile Workplaces

From our case history and regional research, many valid claims involve:

• Repeated physical threats or implied violence
• Racial targeting, including graffiti, nicknames, and social exclusion
• Sexual harassment that’s normalized or ignored
• Disparate treatment for those in protected classes (e.g., only minorities written up for minor infractions)
• Failure by HR or management to take complaints seriously or take remedial action

What to Do If You’re in a Hostile Work Environment

1. Document Everything – Save emails, screenshots, witness accounts, and record specific incidents.
2. Report Internally – Use HR or management channels, preferably in writing.
3. Seek Legal Help Quickly – Our attorneys can assess whether your case meets the legal standards and guide you through your options.

Our Legal Experience and Victories

We’ve recovered millions in compensation for clients facing:

• Racially abusive environments in corporate and industrial settings
• LGBTQ+ employees targeted by coworkers or management
• Victims of sexual assault or unwanted advances at work
• Retaliation for requesting accommodations or making internal complaints

Our attorneys have appeared in local and federal courts, representing employees from every background and level of employment. No matter the size or power of your employer, we are not afraid to fight for what’s right.

Potential Compensation

If your case is successful, you may be entitled to:

• Lost wages and benefits
• Reinstatement or front pay
• Emotional distress damages
• Punitive damages for willful misconduct
• Attorneys’ fees and court costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I prove my workplace is hostile?
We look for patterns—emails, HR complaints, coworker testimony, and past practices—to establish pervasive misconduct.

Can I be fired for speaking up?
No. Retaliation is illegal under both state and federal law.

Is one comment enough?
Typically, isolated incidents are not actionable unless they are extremely severe—like a physical threat or hate speech.

How long do I have to file?
Depending on jurisdiction, deadlines may be as short as 180 days. Consult with us early.

Why Freundlich & Littman?

✔️ Thousands of cases handled across PA & NJ
✔️ In-depth knowledge of discrimination and harassment law
✔️ Aggressive and strategic courtroom advocacy
✔️ Responsive, compassionate service tailored to each client

When you’re navigating abuse at work, you need more than just legal advice—you need an experienced team to stand by your side and push back with strength.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. If you’re facing harassment, threats, or unfair treatment at work, reach out now. Your consultation is 100% confidential and free.

📞 Call Now: 215-545-8500
📨 Info@FandLLaw.com

We proudly serve clients in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Camden, Trenton, Cherry Hill, and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.