Sexual Harassment
All employees are entitled to a workplace that is free from sexual harassment and they are protected by federal, state and local laws. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment at work, our experienced employment law attorneys can help you obtain just compensation.
What is sexual harassment?
There are two types of sexual harassment. The first is referred to as "quid pro quo" or " this for that" harassment. This form of sexual harassment occurs when an employer or a supervisor demands sexual favors in exchange for a job, raise, promotion, or other employment benefit. Quid pro quo harassment can also involve an employee being disciplined or fired for refusing sexual advances, or an employer giving a negative performance evaluation to an employee who rejects such an advance.
The second type of sexual harassment occurs when an employee is exposed to a hostile work environment. This involves a pattern of unwanted sexual behavior, comments or visual displays that creates an offensive or distressing atmosphere. In order for an employee to prove a hostile work environment, he or she must demonstrate that the harassing behavior was so severe or pervasive that it altered the terms or conditions of employment.
The employee must also show that he or she has complained about the behavior to his or her direct supervisor and that managers have failed to take action to stop the harassment from occurring. Because an employee’s record of complaint is key to proving a charge of hostile work environment harassment, it is important for employers to establish, publish, and distribute a clearly worded complaint procedure for employees to follow. It is similarly important for employers to keep records showing they take action in response to any complaints of sexual harassment.
Damages for Sexual Harassment
If you have been the victim of workplace harassment our experienced attorneys can help you recover damages such as lost wages, lost benefits, compensatory damages, and reinstatement. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be entitled to compensation for emotional pain and suffering, punitive damages, attorney's fee and costs. Call our firm today to discuss your matter in confidence. |