If you are a jerk to a co-worker and he claims that you are harassing him, could you be sued for it? The answer is a resounding “maybe.” Merely being a jerk to someone does not mean that you have committed harassment as the law defines that term. Still, your conduct might be found to have violated a respectful workplace policy. Treating everyone with dignity and respect is really at the heart of state and federal laws prohibiting harassment in the workplace.