What is a common cause of civil litigation in a workplace?

Workplace harassment is indeed a significant cause of civil litigation in a workplace setting. When employees experience harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics, it creates a hostile work environment that can lead to legal action. Such harassment may include unwanted advances, offensive comments, or other behaviors that undermine an employee's sense of safety and respect at work.

Victims of workplace harassment often seek remedies through civil litigation because they may feel that their employer did not take appropriate action to stop or prevent the harassment, or that the workplace policies are insufficient to protect them. Employers have a legal responsibility to maintain a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination; when they fail to uphold this standard, it can lead to lawsuits seeking damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other impacts.

It is essential to recognize that while discrimination, inadequate training, and unsafe working conditions can also lead to civil litigation, harassment directly pertains to the treatment of employees and their emotional and psychological well-being in the workplace, making it a prominent issue in employment law.