What Does A Sexual Harassment Lawyer Do
Anyone who is a victim of sexual harassment at work should know that they have the right to file a complaint against their employer. Sexual harassment is illegal. But even though Federal and state laws prohibit sexual harassment at work it’s shockingly common. Studies have shown that 38% of women and 14% of men have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. And, 1 in 7 women and 1 in 17 men have had to change assignments or jobs because of sexual harassment.
A sexual harassment lawyer can help you fight back. A sexual harassment lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in cases involving sexual harassment. Lawyers who work on sexual harassment cases know the Federal and state laws that protect workers, and they help you file a complaint against your employer. Sexual harassment lawyers can be a valuable resource for anyone struggling with legal issues at work. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know if you’re experiencing sexual harassment at work:
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is illegal in all states. But sexual harassment can be hard to define and that leads people to ignore it or laugh it off when it happens. Sexual harassment is sometimes explicit, but it can also be very subtle like a sexually charged “joke” that makes you uncomfortable or sexually suggestive material emailed around or left in the break room. There are different types of sexual harassment, but the bottom line is that there are laws that protect workers from sexual harassment and assault in everyday life and at work.
What Does A Sexual Harassment Lawyer Do?
A sexual harassment lawyer can help you identify sexual harassment, collect evidence of sexual harassment, and file a complaint against your employer if they are allowing sexual harassment to happen. It’s normal for victims of sexual harassment to be scared, uncertain, and sometimes a little reluctant to file a complaint and stand up for their rights. But you have a right to feel safe at work. A sexual harassment lawyer knows the laws regarding sexual harassment and assault at work and can help you stand up for your rights.
Types of Sexual Harassment / Assault Employees May Face At Work
There are many types of sexual harassment that happen at work. If you’re not sure if an action was sexual harassment but it made you feel uncomfortable then it probably was.
Types of Sexual Harassment:
- Any unwanted sexual advance
- Sex discrimination
- Sexual propositions
- Inappropriate touching
- Verbal harassment
- Requests for sexual favors
- Threatening negative employment action, either explicitly or implicitly, if the victim doesn’t consent to sexual favors
- Display of sexually explicit photos or images
- Negative comments about a victim’s gender
- Blocking or not allowing someone to walk past
- Sending inappropriate pictures, jokes, or cartoons through work email
- Quid Pro Quo harassment
Quid Pro Quo harassment is when you are explicitly told that in order to get promoted, get a raise, get the schedule you need, or get something work-related, you must perform sexual acts. This is illegal.
State & Federal Laws That Prohibit Sexual Harassment At Work
Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights expressly forbids discrimination based on sex. The Supreme Court has ruled that sexual harassment is considered to be discrimination based on sex and it’s illegal until Title VII. Most states also have state laws that prohibit sexual harassment and sex discrimination.
Situations That Can Warrant A Sexual Harassment Case
If you’ve been subjected to sexual harassment at work, you may be able to file a sexual harassment claim against your employer. If a coworker is sending you inappropriate or suggestive emails or texts, that is also grounds for a sexual harassment claim. So is a coworker or supervisor repeatedly asking you out, or a coworker cornering you in the breakroom or making inappropriate comments about your clothing or your body.
How Can A Sexual Harassment Attorney Help Me With My Case?
Most people aren’t sure how to move forward with a sexual harassment claim. That’s normal because it’s not something that most people have experience with until it happens to them. That’s why you need to talk with an attorney specializing in sexual harassment cases. An attorney who has years of experience working on sexual harassment cases knows the laws that pertain to sexual harassment and what it takes to prove that you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Filing a Complaint of Discrimination at Work
A sexual harassment lawyer can help you file a complaint against your employer by making sure that you understand the claim forms and how to fill them out. A sexual harassment attorney can also help you gather evidence and decide what evidence needs to be submitted with your claim.
Your Lawyer Must Prove Sexual Harassment Took Place
It can be awkward, embarrassing, and frightening for people to rehash the details of the sexual harassment they’ve experienced. And employers can take advantage of that in order to make it even more uncomfortable for workers to file a complaint. But a sexual harassment attorney can fight for you when it comes to proving that sexual harassment took place and that you’re a victim. When you work with a sexual harassment attorney you will have all the help and support you need to file a claim and make your case.
How Are Sexual Harassment Lawyers Paid?
Sexual harassment lawyers are paid on a contingency basis. That means you don’t have to pay anything upfront in order to speak with a sexual harassment lawyer. When you win your claim and receive money that you are owed from your employer, the lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of the money that you receive. It will not cost you money out of pocket up front to get help from a sexual harassment attorney.
Conclusion
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone. Sexual harassment is about power and using it to control people. You can take back your power and stand up for yourself by filing a complaint against your employer if you’re a victim of sexual harassment at work. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get personalized advice from a sexual harassment attorney who subscribes to this website today.
Sources
- "Ending Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Workplace" (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)
- "Fact Sheet: Sexual Harassment Discrimination" (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
- "Fast Facts: Preventing Sexual Violence" (CDC)
- "What Does A Sexual Harassment Attorney Do?" (Employment Law Help)
