Gail Patterson
Professional and thorough
Workplace Bullying and Harassment Lawyers
You Don’t Have to Endure Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace
Are you facing bullying and harassment in the workplace? Feeling isolated, stressed, and unsure of where to turn? Help is here if you need it. Sibley Lawyers is here to support you, and our trusted team understands what you’re going through. Many of our clients have faced similar challenges, and we are dedicated to helping you find a way forward.Harassment and bullying in the workplace can take many forms, from subtle intimidation to overt aggression, and it can have a devastating impact on your well-being and career.
Feeling Powerless and Alone?
The Devastating Impact of Workplace Bullying and Harassment
Bullying and harassment in the workplace can feel like an invisible weight, crushing your spirit and leaving you feeling isolated and vulnerable. It’s a violation of your right to a safe and respectful work environment, and it can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the office walls.
We understand the profound impact these experiences can have on your life. We know that the constant stress and fear can erode your self-worth, damage your career, and even affect your physical health. You might be feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn, but you don’t have to endure this alone.
You deserve to work in an environment where you feel safe, respected, and valued. Don’t let bullying and harassment control your life. At Sibley Lawyers, we are here to help you reclaim your power and fight for your rights.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
The constant threat of harassment can trigger overwhelming feelings of anxiety and even panic attacks.
Depression and Hopelessness
Feeling belittled, humiliated, or constantly criticised can lead to deep feelings of sadness and despair.
Low Self-Esteem and Self-Doubt
Bullying and harassment in the workplace can chip away at your confidence, making you question your abilities and your worth.
Insomnia and Fatigue
The stress of dealing with a hostile work environment can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling exhausted and drained.
Headaches and Migraines
Gastrointestinal Issues
Anxiety and stress can trigger stomach problems, nausea, and digestive issues.
Decreased Productivity and Performance
It’s difficult to focus on your work when you’re constantly dealing with harassment and bullying in the workplace.
Job Loss or Demotion
In some cases, bullying can escalate to the point where you lose your job or are forced to take a lower position.
Damage to Your Professional Reputation
False accusations or rumours spread by bullies can tarnish your reputation and make it difficult to find new employment.
Strained Relationships
The stress and negativity you experience at work can spill over into your personal life, affecting your relationships with family and friends.
Social Isolation and Withdrawal
You may start to avoid social situations and withdraw from activities you once enjoyed.
Loss of Trust in Others
Bullying can make it difficult to trust others and form healthy relationships.
Your Advocates in the Face of Injustice
At Sibley Lawyers, we’re not just lawyers; we’re dedicated advocates for those who have been wronged. We believe in a justice system that works for everyone, and we’re passionate about using our expertise to level the playing field. Our team is comprised of experienced legal professionals, including former barristers with extensive trial experience, who are committed to providing exceptional representation and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
We understand that navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially when you’re dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of workplace bullying and harassment. That’s why we take a client-centred approach, providing compassionate support and clear guidance every step of the way.
Recognising the Signs: Is It Bullying and Harassment?
Bullying and harassment in the workplace can take many forms, some overt and aggressive, others subtle and insidious. It’s not always easy to identify, as it can be disguised as “just a joke” or “constructive criticism.” But if you’re feeling uncomfortable, intimidated, or humiliated by someone’s behaviour at work, it’s important to take it seriously. Here are some common examples of bullying and harassment in the workplace:
Verbal Abuse
This includes yelling, name-calling, insults, offensive jokes, and constant criticism that is designed to demean or humiliate you. It can also involve belittling your work, ideas, or contributions, and making you feel incompetent.
Physical Intimidation
This can range from threatening gestures and invading your personal space to unwanted physical contact or even physical assault.
Social Isolation and Exclusion
This involves being deliberately excluded from meetings, work-related activities, social events, or important information. It can also involve spreading rumours or gossip about you to damage your reputation and relationships with colleagues.
Cyberbullying
This is the use of electronic communication, such as emails, social media, or instant messaging, to harass, intimidate, or humiliate someone. It can include sending offensive or threatening messages, posting derogatory comments online, or spreading false information.
Sexual Harassment
It can include suggestive comments, inappropriate touching, leering, the display of offensive materials, or pressure to engage in sexual activity.
Taking the First Step Towards Justice
Ready to Break Free?
We want you to know that you don’t have to carry this burden alone. Taking the leap and contacting us is a courageous act, and we’re here to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share your story without judgement. We believe you. We hear you. And we’re here to help you understand your rights and explore your options.
During your initial consultation, we’ll take the time to truly listen to your experiences. We’ll answer all your questions honestly and clearly, explaining the legal process in plain language.
We’ll discuss your goals and concerns, and together, we’ll develop a strategy that is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Our priority is to empower you to make informed decisions about your future and to guide you on the path towards healing and justice.
Don't Wait, Take Action Today
The longer you wait to take action, the more difficult it may be to build a strong case. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may forget details, and the emotional toll can continue to mount. Contact Sibley Lawyers today for a confidential consultation. We are here to help you protect your rights and get the justice you deserve.
Providing Expert Legal Advice and Guidance for Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace
Experiencing bullying and harassment in the workplace can leave you feeling lost and uncertain about what to do next. We’re here to guide you through the legal complexities and provide the support you need to reclaim your workplace and protect your rights.
Gathering Evidence and Building a Strong Case
Building a strong case requires meticulous documentation and evidence gathering. We’ll work with you to gather all relevant evidence, including witness statements, emails, incident reports, and any other documentation that supports your claim.
Negotiating with Your Employer
In some cases, it may be possible to resolve your situation through negotiation with your employer. We’ll act as your advocate, skillfully negotiating on your behalf to achieve a fair and just outcome. This may involve seeking an apology, implementing workplace changes to prevent future harassment, or negotiating a financial settlement.
Representing You in Court
If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight tirelessly for your rights. Our team includes former barristers with extensive trial experience, ensuring that you have strong and effective representation in court proceedings.
Connecting You with Support Services
We recognise that workplace bullying and harassment can have a significant impact on your emotional and psychological well-being. We can connect you with support services, such as counsellors, therapists, and support groups, to help you cope with the emotional toll and begin the healing process.
Reporting Workplace Bullying: Your Options Under the Fair Work Act
How you report workplace bullying depends on whether you’re still employed and how serious the conduct is. Where it is safe and appropriate, you may first raise the bullying through your employer’s internal complaint process, HR team or management. If you are eligible and there is a risk the bullying will continue, you may be able to apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop bullying. The Commission can make orders aimed at preventing further bullying, but it cannot award financial compensation or order that someone be disciplined or dismissed.
If you have been dismissed, demoted or otherwise subjected to adverse action because you exercised a protected workplace right, which may include making an employment-related complaint about bullying, you may also have a general protections claim. Depending on the circumstances, a general protections claim may be another legal avenue available to you.
If workplace bullying has contributed to a diagnosed psychological injury, such as anxiety, depression or PTSD, you may also be eligible to make a workers compensation claim. Eligibility depends on the circumstances, including the connection between your employment and the injury. If a claim is accepted, workers compensation may provide support for medical and rehabilitation costs and weekly compensation for lost wages.
Our employment law team can assess which options may apply to your circumstances and, where you engage us to act, assist with the appropriate process.
How We Work With You
A Clear Path to Resolution
Our bullying and harassment in the workplace law team believe in transparency and open communication. We’ll guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you understand your options and feel empowered to make informed decisions. Our process is designed to be as efficient and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward.
Initial Consultation
We start with a confidential consultation to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights.
Gathering Information and Evidence
We’ll work with you to gather all relevant documentation and evidence to support your claim.
Case Assessment
We’ll carefully assess the strength of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Negotiation and Settlement
Where possible, we’ll attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with your employer.
Legal Proceedings
If necessary, we’ll initiate legal proceedings and represent you in court.
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Ongoing Guidance
We’ll provide ongoing guidance and assistance throughout the entire process.
We understand that each case presents its own challenges, and we will tailor our approach to best serve your individual situation. Our goal is to provide you with clear, practical advice and strong representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety. The behaviour must occur more than once and be behaviour that a reasonable person would consider unreasonable in the circumstances. A single unreasonable incident does not meet the Fair Work Act definition of workplace bullying, although it may raise other workplace or legal concerns. Reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable manner, such as legitimate performance management, is not workplace bullying. If you are experiencing a pattern of criticism, exclusion, intimidation or unreasonable work demands, our employment law team can assess whether the behaviour may meet the legal test and explain your options.
What Are Examples of Workplace Bullying?
Examples of workplace bullying can include verbal abuse, intimidation, deliberate social exclusion, cyberbullying, unreasonable deadlines, withholding information needed to do your job or repeatedly undermining your work. Sexual harassment may overlap with workplace bullying where the conduct is repeated and otherwise meets the bullying test, but it is also dealt with separately under workplace and discrimination laws. For behaviour to meet the Fair Work Act definition of workplace bullying, it must be repeated, unreasonable and create a risk to health and safety.
Can You Sue for Workplace Bullying in Australia?
Workplace bullying can give rise to different legal claims or applications in Australia, but there is no single standalone claim that applies to every bullying situation. Eligible workers may be able to apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop bullying where there is a risk the behaviour will continue. Depending on the circumstances, other options may include a general protections claim, workers compensation claim, work health and safety action or a discrimination or harassment complaint. The appropriate pathway depends on what has happened, your employment arrangements and the outcome you are seeking.
Can a Lawyer Help With Workplace Bullying?
Yes, an employment lawyer can help with workplace bullying by assessing whether the behaviour meets the legal definition, gathering the evidence you’ll need, and assisting with the legal or workplace process that is appropriate to your circumstances. Having a lawyer involved can also reduce the need for you to manage difficult negotiations with your employer on your own. Sibley Lawyers’ employment team, including former barristers with trial experience, can represent you at every stage.
What Legislation Covers Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying can be covered by several laws depending on the worker and the circumstances. The Fair Work Act 2009 provides a pathway for eligible workers in constitutionally covered businesses to apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop bullying. In Queensland, work health and safety obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and related psychosocial hazard requirements may also apply. Some Queensland state-system employees may instead have access to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission under the Industrial Relations Act 2016. Workers compensation, general protections and discrimination laws may also be relevant depending on the conduct and any resulting injury or adverse action.
Can Workplace Bullying Lead to PTSD?
Workplace bullying can contribute to psychological injuries including PTSD, anxiety and depression. If you have been diagnosed with a psychological injury that arose out of your employment and your employment was a significant contributing factor, you may be eligible to make a workers compensation claim. If the claim is accepted, workers compensation may assist with treatment costs and lost wages. A doctor can assess your symptoms and provide the work capacity certificate required for a Queensland workers compensation claim, and an employment lawyer can advise on any other legal options arising from the bullying.
These FAQs are general information only and do not constitute legal advice. The law is complex and fact-specific. You should seek independent legal advice for your particular situation.
But don't just take our word for it
Our Track Record Speaks for Itself
Our clients have trusted us to assist with complex workplace and employment matters. Read their experiences with Sibley Lawyers and see what they say about our advice, support and representation.
FEATURED
Nurture In HarmonyI highly recommend Sibley Lawyers for anyone dealing with workplace issues, including personal injuries. After my union lawyers refused to support me in a workplace dispute, Justin Sibley and Jack McDonald stepped in and made all the difference. They were incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and truly committed to my case. Despite the lack of support from my union, to which I had paid fees for 13 years, Justin and Jack worked tirelessly to ensure I was treated fairly and helped me achieve a positive outcome. Their expertise in employment law and genuine dedication gave me the confidence to move forward. If you’re looking for lawyers who will fight for you when others won’t, Sibley Lawyers is the firm to trust!
Lyniece Rostant
Dena MillerI couldn’t be happier with Sibley Lawyers if I tried. The team is fantastic and passionate about what they do. A particular shout out to their Senior Paralegal, Kate Rasmussen! She has worked tirelessly on several matters for me and achieved positive outcomes. She is always professional, friendly, dedicated and passionate when it comes to her clients. Your determination to obtain justice for me is greatly appreciated Kate 🙏
Madonna ArcaOn behalf of my brother Peter:
I was represented by Sibley Lawyers in a Personnel Injury Claim and Jack McDonald worked extremely hard and was very devoted in achieving a great result. He has been extremely professional and very thorough with his ongoing research into my claim. I would high recommend Sibley Lawyers and in particular Jack McDonald.
Hayley ReidI have needed the services of Sibley Lawyers for a couple of years now. They are extremely thorough, knowledgeable and above all approachable and trustworthy. They have been dealing with my protracted issue that has been handled very professionally and successfully at every turn. When this is all concluded I hope to never need their services again but if I, or anyone I know does, Sibley will be the first call. Thanks team.
Amy ReeveI have been a Sibley Client since 2021. Justin and his team are very knowledgeable in their legal profession and have provided me the advice and support needed. I had some oustanding pay queires that needed to be resovled with my employer, the Sibley team acted on this very swiftly resulting in a postive outcome for me. I highly reccommend their service.
Brett RawlingsI’ve been a client with Sibley Lawyers Employment Law Services over the past couple years. They have saved my job and helped me out with certain enquiries and never once have they not cared about their clients. I highly recommend and it is a must. Join up today
Cass JeffersonJustin Sibley and his team are the consummate professionals in law.
I have used his services as a retained client as a Qld Government employee, as well as being a personal client. Justin always impresses me. When push comes to shove, you need someone like Justin in your corner. Not only does he understand the law and all of its complex mechanics, but he has the ability to win with his attention to detail, unwaivering knowledge and courtroom charisma. As mentioned I Highly Recommend Sibley Lawyers to anyone needing legal representation, they’re a tremendous firm.
Luke DohertySibley law and especially Nick Ware are amazing and I could not recommend a better criminal defence lawyer.
He’s professional, personable and very thorough. Always put my worries and mind at ease with his professional advice and very contactable, not fobbed off to a secretary.
The outcome of what I wanted, happened and I was also upfront and honest from the start with no judgement whatsoever from Nick.
I went into the experience alone and can really say I have come out with a great result and someone I’ll call a mate.
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Don't Let Them Silence You
Tired of feeling anxious, humiliated, and undervalued at work?
Are you ready to break free from the cycle of bullying and harassment in the workplace that’s stealing your peace of mind and damaging your career? Don’t let them control your life any longer. You deserve a workplace where you feel safe, respected, and valued. Take the first step towards justice and reclaim your life.
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