Compassionate & Experienced Hyannis Sexual Harassment Attorney – Protecting Your Rights
Despite the strides made by the #MeToo movement over the last few years, many Americans still face sexual harassment in the workplace. Modern workplaces—whether they are remote or in person—are challenging enough to navigate even without being sexually harassed.
Sexual harassment can take many forms, including casual but unwanted touching, offensive remarks, unfavorable treatment, or even receiving offensive images by email or text. If you are experiencing sexual harassment at work, contact our experienced Hyannis sexual harassment lawyers today. The Massachusetts Employment Lawyers team is standing by to help protect your rights.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a type of workplace harassment or discrimination based on someone’s sex or sexuality.
Examples of sexual harassment can include:
- Derogatory or sexual comments about a person’s appearance;
- Inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact;
- Promising or implying promotions or bonuses in exchange for sexual favors or conduct;
- Displaying, sharing, or sending sexual or sexualized images; and
- Sexually inappropriate jokes.
- If you think you may be experiencing workplace sexual harassment, contact a Hyannis harassment attorney today. Even if you are unsure whether the conduct rises to the level of filing a lawsuit, it may help to consult with an employment lawyer to clarify any concerns.
What Are the Two Types of Sexual Harassment?
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recognizes two broad categories of sexual harassment: “quid pro quo” and “hostile environment.”
What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Quid pro quo sexual harassment is when someone in a position of power over an employee asks for sexual favors in exchange for some kind of employment benefit. A single instance of quid pro quo harassment can be enough to make out a claim for sexual harassment in Massachusetts. Speak with a Hyannis sexual harassment attorney immediately if you believe you have been subjected to quid pro quo sexual harassment.
What Is a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile work environment occurs when workplace conditions are so hostile or offensive to the ordinary person that conditions adversely affect a person’s ability to work—and their employer (manager, owner) knew or should have known about it. Victims usually need to show an employer’s pattern or practice of harassment to make out a claim for a hostile work environment. A Hyannis harassment lawyer can explain further.
Can Anyone Be a Victim of Sexual Harassment?
A common misconception is that only women can be preyed on by sexual harassers. However, anyone—both men and women—can be a victim of sexual harassment. The law also recognizes sexual harassment against people who are transgender, including harassment or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Even if you are not the subject of the sexual harassment, you may still be considered to be the victim of a hostile work enviroment. For example, if you are a woman and you consistently overhear your boss making sexually inappropriate comments about other women that come into your workplace, you may have a claim for a hostile work environment for being subjected to that sexually harassing behavior.
Our knowledgeable Hyannis sexual harassment attorneys can tell you more.
Steps to Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim
Speak a Manager, Supervisor, or HR
Unless your harasseris a manager or someone else who is considered an “employer” in Massachusetts, your employer is not generally liable for any sexual harassment that is engaged in by a co-worker and/or non-managerial level staff. This is not the case if the employer knew that this individual has engaged in this type of behavior in the past and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent its recurrence. check your employee handbook or internal website for any formal reporting procedure and file a claim. By reporting this situation to the company, it has the opportunity to take action against your harasser to prevent any recurrance. Informing your employer also ensures it can be held liable for failing to remedy the conduct when it had a chance or for taking retaliatory action against you. If you are subjected to harassment by a manager or by an co-worker that your employer knew previously harassed you or others, contact on of our experienced Hyannis sexual harassment lawyers to discuss whether you may have a claim.
Seek Treatment for any Emotional or Physical Distress
Regardless of whether or not you have a viable legal claim against your employer for any sexual harassment you have suffered in the workplace, it is important for your health and wellbeing that you contact a professional if you have suffered emotional or physical harm. .
File a Claim with the EEOC
You must file a claim with the EEOC within 300 days of the harassment. You cannot file a lawsuit until you file an official complaint with the EEOC and request a right-to-sue letter. You must file your lawsuit within 90 days of receiving your right-to-sue letter.
Contact a Hyannis Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Speak to an employment lawyer as soon as possible. Our highly-experienced legal team can start gathering evidence and working on your claim right away once we have completed our free consultation with you.
Protect Your Rights: Consult with a Hyannis Sexual Harassment Attorney Today
If you believe you have been sexually harassed, our Hyannis sexual harassment lawyers at MA Employment Lawyers are here to help. Our dedicated legal team handles a wide range of employment cases and is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us get to work for you.
