State and federal laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace, but it still persists. If you are subjected to unwanted sexual comments or behavior at work, you have the right to pursue a remedy through an administrative action or lawsuit. When you choose to work with The Noble Law, you gain access to a team of experienced employment lawyers who are committed to providing you with a clear understanding of legal issues and your options. Contact us today in North Carolina and South Carolina to speak with a workplace harassment lawyer.
What is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature or otherwise offensive remarks about a person’s sex affecting your employment or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
One of the most difficult and demeaning forms of sexual harassment is the classic “quid pro quo” request, which is Latin for “this for that.” For example, a quid pro quo sexual harassment violation occurs if your supervisor insists that you submit to sexual advances in exchange for your continued employment.
Having your job threatened is not the only way that you may experience sexual harassment at work. If your supervisor or co-workers constantly subject you to sexual photographs, videos, jokes, or threats that are offensive to you, then your employer has created an impermissibly hostile work environment based on its tolerance of these behaviors. Harassment can be subtle; if you are concerned about potentially harassing behavior on the job, talk to a workplace sexual harassment lawyer.
Third-Party Sexual Harassment
The legal definition of sexual harassment does not end with your supervisor or co-workers. If a customer, client, vendor, or other non-employee confronts you with unwelcome sexual words or actions that affect your ability to do your job, your employer is obligated to take steps to protect you. However, it is the harassed employee’s duty to promptly bring the matter to management and request remedial action. If your employer ignores your request or retaliates against you for making the request, you may have a claim against your employer.
Safe Workplace
It is your employer’s legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that your work environment remains free from sexual harassment at all times. You do not have to put up with unacceptable behavior from anyone at your job — regardless of your position in the company, and regardless of the position of the sexual harasser. If your employer has failed to take sufficient proactive steps to remedy and prevent sexual harassment after you have notified them of the situation, you may need legal advice.
Our experienced employment law attorneys have advised numerous employees in navigating the difficult waters of sexual harassment in the workplace. Addressing severe and pervasive sexual harassment in the workplace takes skill and tact, and our team is here to help. We listen; we hear you; we understand.
Executives Experiencing Sexual Harassment
Is your career on the line because of someone else’s inappropriate sexual behavior? Are you unsure of your next move because it may mean losing a promotion? Are you worried about alienating clients by addressing the sexual harassment you’re experiencing?
Being sexually harassed in the workplace can be shocking, surprising, and disheartening, no matter your role in the organization. If you are an executive experiencing harassment, you may hesitate to speak out for fear of the impact it may have on your relationship with your colleagues and clients and your ability to conduct your day-to-day duties. You may face division, distrust, or feel like your coworkers are “picking sides.” You may even be blamed for the sexual harassment you are experiencing.
Our employment law firm is experienced in sexual harassment cases, and we’ve helped hundreds of executives navigate sexual harassment in their workplace. There may be difficult challenges ahead of you, but there may also be some legal protections available.
Each company, and each case, is unique, and our employment law firm will provide legal advice based on your specific situation. Contact The Noble Law in North Carolina or South Carolina to schedule a consultation with an employment attorney.
Potential For Employer Retaliation
A report from the EEOC found that a 2003 study showed that 75% of harassment victims experienced some form of retaliation. With statistics like this, it’s no wonder that employees are wary of reporting sexual harassment. Victims often fear that they won’t be believed or will be subject to professional retaliation such as losing their jobs.
However, the same laws that prohibit workplace discrimination protect you against workplace retaliation. Our experienced employment attorneys understand how debilitating and degrading sexual harassment at work is to both employees and to company culture, but we also understand how challenging it can be when there is the potential for employer retaliation.
If you are concerned that reporting sexual harassment or seeking legal action against your employer will damage your career, know that you’re not alone. Here at The Noble Law Firm, our employment lawyers will be unflinchingly honest with you about the potential consequences to your job and career, as well as what you have to gain.
How a Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer Can Help
If you decide to contact an employment attorney from The Noble Law in North Carolina or South Carolina, we may be able to help you get “remedies” from your employer. Not all remedies for sexual harassment are monetary, some have to do with changing your employer’s behavior or sexual harassment policies.
Each employment law case is unique, but here are some examples of remedies that you can ask for, and may be able to receive if you are successful:
Compensation for lost wages
If you have had economic losses due to sexual harassment, you can seek compensation. For example, if you needed to take a leave of absence, you lost hours, or were fired from your job for reporting sexual harassment, you may be able to receive compensation.
Compensation for emotional distress, physical pain, or suffering
Sexual harassment can come with pain and suffering, such as stress, anxiety, loss of sleep, and damage to your reputation. With the help of an employment attorney, you may be able to receive compensation for these losses.
Reinstatement
If you were fired because you reported a sexual harassment violation, you may be able to be reinstated at your workplace.
Change in the sexual harassment policy
Depending on your sexual harassment case, the EEOC may order an employer to change their employment policy and practices to create a safer workplace. A change in the sexual harassment policy may help prevent others from experiencing sexual harassment in the future.
Punitive Damages
In certain especially egregious situations, a court may award punitive damages intended as punishment for reckless and malicious actions. Punitive and compensatory damages are subject to federal limits based on the number of employees.
The Noble Law – Employment Law Attorneys
We offer legal advice and representation to help you protect your professional integrity, defend your compensation, and move towards closure. If you are in need of legal counsel, contact our employment law firm in North Carolina or South Carolina today.
