Despite several laws in place protecting workers from sexual harassment in the workplace, Chicago continues to see a surprising number of sexual harassment cases. Not only does sexual harassment make it difficult for a person to perform his or her job to the best of his or her abilities, but also, it can traumatize a person, especially if the harassment is physical in nature. If you are the victim of sexual harassment, do not let the perpetrator go unpunished. Contact the Chicago sexual harassment lawyers at the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline to discuss your legal options today.
In the U.S., there are two types of sexual harassment in the workplace:
Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment occurs when an employer or supervisor demands sexual favors in exchange for a raise, promotion, or other perks. It may also occur when an employer threatens an employee’s position if the employee does not agree to the demands. You still have a case even if you gave into the demands in an effort to save your job. The key to a successful sexual harassment claim is that the sexual advances were unwanted; whether or not you complied is not of concern to a judge.
Hostile Environment in the Workplace is just what it sounds like – sexual harassment that creates a hostile work environment. You may have a case of this type of sexual harassment if an employer makes unwanted advances, or if a coworker touches you inappropriately and the employer does not do anything to put a stop to it. You may also have a case if an employer or coworker makes inappropriate sexual comments or jokes, or if the employer or a coworker sends inappropriate photos via email or text.
Both quid pro quo sexual harassment and hostile environment sexual harassment are harmful to a person’s sense of self and his or her work performance. Sexual harassment of any kind is unacceptable and should be combatted with a lawsuit.
Unlike other suits brought under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (such as discrimination and wrongful termination suits), it is sometimes fairly simple to prove sexual harassment in the workplace. For instance, if an employer sent nude photos of him or herself, you could pull up phone or email records. If an employer was constantly making sexual comments or advances, other employees may be able and willing to attest to that fact. If you made several complaints to HR about a coworker but nothing was ever done to reprimand him or her, you could use that as proof of the employer’s advocacy of sexual harassment.
If you were sexually harassed in the workplace, do not remain silent. Fight to ensure that your harasser does not negatively impact another individual’s life. The Chicago sexual harassment lawyers at the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline are prepared to help you build your case, gather evidence, and fight to ensure that justice is served. Call our office today to schedule a free and private consultation.
