Workplace Bullying is Not Against the Law ... Yet.

            From small businesses to large corporations, from government jobs to the private sector, no workplace is immune from people in positions of authority who like to let other people know it.  One in six American workers is estimated to have been bullied at some point in their career according to a recent study.  Even though bullying can have the same negative effects on workers' careers and health as discrimination, it is not prohibited by law unless, of course, the bully is singling out his or her victims based on a protected class feature.

            Anti-bullying legislation has been introduced in eleven states in the last four years, although it has not become law in any of them.  Worker advocates are pressing for protection against bullying citing the same social consequences from bullying as discrimination and domestic violence.  Locally, New Jersey is the only state to consider such legislation.  Some employer groups have opposed the efforts to create new legislation claiming it will open up a new category for lawsuits against employers by disgruntled employees.  Opponents argue managers will be at risk simply for demanding more from subordinates.  However, supporters insist employers will have no greater burden investigating a bullying complaint and telling a legitimate claim from a frivolous one than they currently have with complaints of discrimination. 

            Regardless of its legal status, many companies are addressing bullying in standards of conduct included in their employee handbooks.  Recognizing that verbal abuse, humiliation and intimidation impact employee morale and productivity, these employers have established their own "law" for civility and respect in the workplace violations of which can result in discipline including termination. 

For more information on workplace bullying, review www.workdoctor.com and www.bullybusters.org.

Personal Injury Case Settles for $150,000.00

Mr. Fegley recently settled a client’s personal injury case for $150,000.00.  The client was broadsided when the defendant ran a red light at an intersection.  The client spent ten days in the hospital and was out of work for six months.  While the client returned to most of her normal activity thereafter, she continues to experience back pain and discomfort from a herniated disc.  The insurance company’s initial offer was $75,000.00.