Being bullied, sexually harassed or pressured to quit? Speak with a workplace harassment lawyer in Vancouver before resigning or signing an agreement.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees deal with workplace harassment, ignored complaints and retaliation. Our Vancouver employment lawyers can explain your options, help protect your position and pursue severance or other compensation where you have a claim.

Whether you want the treatment to stop, need help responding to HR or feel you can no longer stay in your job, start by telling us what happened.

💡 You do not need to wait until you are fired. Getting advice while you are still employed can help you avoid mistakes that affect your job, income and legal rights.

On This Page:

How Our Vancouver Workplace Harassment Lawyers Help

Our job is to help you understand where you stand and what to do next. That starts with reviewing the treatment you have experienced, your employer’s response and what you want to achieve.

Protect your position while you are still working

We can advise you on documenting incidents, making a written complaint and responding to an investigation. If your manager is responsible for the harassment, we can help you work out how to raise the issue without relying only on that person.

Respond when your complaint is ignored

Being told to “work it out” or accept an apology may not resolve the problem. We can review what your employer has done, whether the conduct is continuing and what further steps may be appropriate.

Address retaliation or pressure to resign

If your hours are cut, you are demoted or you face sudden discipline after reporting harassment, we can assess the connection and your options. If the situation is pushing you toward resignation, get advice before deciding how to leave.

Deal with your employer on your behalf

When we represent you, we can communicate with your employer and pursue a resolution. Depending on your circumstances, that may involve addressing the workplace problem, negotiating an exit package or advancing a legal claim.

Workplace Harassment Situations We Help With

Harassment can come from a manager, coworker, client or another person connected to your work. It can happen in person or through emails, messages and other workplace communications.

Contact our Vancouver team if you are dealing with:

  • Bullying and humiliation: Personal insults, threats, malicious rumours or being repeatedly ridiculed in front of others.
  • Sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual comments, touching, messages, advances or pressure for sexual favours.
  • Discriminatory treatment: Harassment connected to your race, sex, disability, religion or another protected personal characteristic.
  • Unresolved complaints: HR or management dismisses your concerns, fails to follow its process or allows the treatment to continue.
  • Retaliation: Your treatment worsens after you raise a workplace concern.
  • Pressure to leave: The working environment has become so difficult that you are considering quitting.

Reasonable feedback, work assignments and legitimate management decisions are not automatically harassment. We look at what actually happened, rather than simply the label your employer gives it.

For the full explanation of employer responsibilities and reporting options, read our workplace harassment in BC guide.

Can You Get Severance or Compensation for Workplace Harassment?

Harassment can lead to a claim for severance, human rights compensation or other remedies, depending on what happened. There is no single payout that applies to every workplace harassment case.

When harassment forces you out of your job

Serious harassment that an employer creates or allows to continue can amount to constructive dismissal. That means you may be able to treat the employment relationship as terminated and pursue severance, even though your employer did not formally fire you.

Leaving a difficult workplace does not automatically establish a severance claim. Our Vancouver constructive dismissal lawyers can assess the situation before you resign.

Where a severance claim is available, our severance pay lawyers in Vancouver can review your contract, compensation and employment history to determine what you may be owed.

When harassment involves discrimination

Sexual harassment and other harassment connected to a protected characteristic can support a human rights complaint. Available compensation can include lost income and harm to your dignity, feelings and self-respect.

We can assess whether your circumstances involve workplace discrimination and explain how a human rights claim fits with any other employment claim.

When you are fired after making a complaint

An employer cannot lawfully punish you for raising a workplace health and safety concern. If you are fired after reporting harassment, both the reason for the termination and the severance offered deserve careful review.

Our Vancouver wrongful dismissal lawyers can review the termination and determine whether you have additional claims. The timing matters, but it is not the only factor.

⚠️ Before you sign, always check first. A resignation agreement, severance settlement or release may give up important claims. Have the document reviewed before accepting it.

Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

You need advice that addresses more than the complaint itself. Harassment can affect your ability to keep working, your income and the terms on which you leave a job. Our team can assess those issues together.

Our BC employment law practice is led by Dan Balkaran, whose work includes workplace harassment, sexual harassment, human rights claims and dismissal disputes.

We focus on helping you make an informed decision and pursuing a practical resolution. Where negotiations can resolve the matter, we can deal directly with your employer. Where further legal action is needed, we explain the process and the options available.

You tell us what happened. We explain what it means for your job and your next steps.

Getting Help Starts With a Conversation

You do not need to organize a perfect file before contacting us. Start with a brief explanation of the problem and whether you are still working, on leave or no longer employed.

  1. Tell us what happened. Explain the conduct, who was involved and whether you reported it.
  2. Share the important records. Relevant documents may include your employment contract, messages, written complaints, investigation correspondence and any termination or settlement offer.
  3. Understand your options. If we can assist, a lawyer can review the circumstances, explain the available approach and discuss fees before you decide whether to proceed.

Keep records you are legally entitled to retain, and avoid taking unrelated confidential company information. If you are unsure what to preserve, ask us.

Contact our Vancouver team or call 1-855-821-5900.

Vancouver Workplace Harassment Lawyer FAQs

Can I speak with a lawyer before reporting harassment to HR?

Yes. A lawyer can help you understand how to document and raise your concerns, particularly if your boss is involved or you are worried about retaliation. Getting advice does not replace your workplace reporting responsibilities.

What if I already reported the harassment and HR found no problem?

You can still get independent advice. We can review your complaint, the response, any investigation findings provided to you and whether the conduct has continued. HR’s conclusion does not, by itself, determine all of your legal rights.

Is reporting harassment to WorkSafeBC the same as making a legal claim?

No. WorkSafeBC’s bullying and harassment prevention process focuses on whether employers have appropriate procedures and address reports. It does not negotiate your severance or mediate the underlying workplace dispute.

An employment-law consultation can help you understand whether you have separate severance or human rights options. WorkSafeBC injury-benefit claims are a different process.

How much does a workplace harassment lawyer cost?

Fees depend on the work required and the type of claim. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP offers contingency arrangements for appropriate cases, but that does not mean every harassment consultation or workplace dispute is handled on a no-win, no-fee basis.

We explain the proposed arrangement before you agree to proceed. Learn more about our legal fees.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. A matter may be resolved through advice, negotiations or mediation. If a court or tribunal proceeding is appropriate, we can explain why, what it involves and the alternatives before you decide how to proceed.

How long do I have to take action?

The deadline depends on the type of claim. A BC Human Rights Tribunal complaint generally must be filed within one year, while other employment claims follow different rules.

Do not wait for an internal investigation to finish before checking your deadlines. Early advice is also important if you are considering resignation or have received a settlement offer.

Speak With a Workplace Harassment Lawyer in Vancouver

An ignored complaint, an intimidating manager or pressure to quit can leave you unsure where to turn. You do not have to make the next decision alone.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland understand their options and take action to protect their rights.

Tell us what happened before you resign or sign an agreement.

⚠️ Unionized? Contact your union about representation and grievance options. Our employment law team can’t assist with unionized workplace disputes.

Harassed at Work? Get Help Before You Quit.

Our Vancouver employment lawyers help non-unionized employees deal with harassment, ignored complaints and retaliation. Tell us what happened.

Get Help Now