The past decade has seen several high-profile workplace sexual harassment cases. This development indicates that unfortunately, sexual harassment continues to occur throughout our society, which is troubling. However, it also suggests that victims are becoming more comfortable with coming forward.
In Clermont, Florida, victims of workplace sexual harassment have the right to pursue compensation. A settlement could reimburse you for your damages and as a victim, you are protected by law from retaliation by your employer. Do not hesitate to contact a Clermont sexual harassment lawyer from our team, we are here for you to act as your legal representative and advisor.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a category of misconduct that usually refers to workplace behavior. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), sexual harassment usually involves:
- Making workplace advancement opportunities contingent on sexual favors
- Requesting sexual favors
- Unwanted physical touch
- Inappropriate discussion of sexual behavior during work
- Perpetrators sexually expose themselves
- Experiencing pressure to perform sexual acts on someone
- Unwanted sexual advances
These behaviors are broken into two primary categories:
- Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment: Quid pro quo (this for that) sexual harassment entails an authority figure leveraging their power for sexual favors. A boss using their position of power to strongarm a victim into sexual behaviors would be an example of quid pro quo sexual harassment.
- Hostile work environment: According to Florida law, this type of sexual harassment is pervasive and “negatively affects a term, condition, or privilege of employment.” Constant sexual comments could be an example of a hostile work environment.
Anyone Can Experience Workplace Sexual Harassment
The perpetrator in your case may be the same gender as you. Workplace sexual harassment can be perpetrated by any gender and you can pursue a case regardless of your gender.
Women indeed experience sexual harassment more frequently than men. According to a recent study, nearly 85% of women will experience sexual harassment in their lifetime. However, men can be victims, too. Roughly one-third of men suffer from sexual harassment. Men in marginalized groups experience sexual harassment at higher rates.
For this reason, don’t feel ashamed if you’ve suffered from workplace sexual harassment. While coming forward is difficult, it can help you pursue justice. No one deserves to fear sexual harassment in their workplace.
To consult with an experienced sexual harassment lawyer serving Clermont, call 855-780-9986
Sexual Harassment Victims Are Protected by Federal and State Laws
Both federal laws and the Florida Civil Rights Act have strict employee protections. Under these laws, employers cannot discriminate against employees based on:
- Color
- Race
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Disability
- Marital status
Violating these laws through sexual harassment is a crime. According to state law, “sexual harassment is a form of discrimination.” As a victim, you could qualify for compensation.
Clermont Sexual Harassment Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986
Working With a Clermont Sexual Harassment Lawyer
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we put our clients first. Your well-being is our priority. Through a settlement, on your behalf we could pursue recovering:
- Back pay, if you missed time off work
- Your job, including fair pay and benefits
- Medical expenses, if you require therapy
- Emotional damages
John W. Bolanovich is our lead employment dispute attorney. He is a graduate of the University of Miami Law School and has worked on a variety of workplace dispute legal cases.
“My greatest strength as an attorney is the ability to understand the client’s needs and guide them in the proper direction in a manner that results in prompt economical resolutions of their legal issues,” says John, describing his commitment to our clients.
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What Should I Do if I’m Experiencing Sexual Harassment?
The aftermath of sexual harassment can be confusing. Victims may be anxious and disoriented. Taking the right course of action could reduce your stress levels. To ensure your case is properly documented, you should consider taking these steps:
- If you don’t feel physically threatened, tell the harasser that you’d like them to stop
- Notify your supervisor and HR department
- Keep track of and gather relevant evidence
- File a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) and the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Consider seeking legal representation – working with a lawyer could improve the outcome of your case
Your Case May Be Time-Sensitive
State and federal sexual harassment complaints each have their own deadlines:
- FCHR complaints have a deadline of one year
- Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints have a deadline of 300 days
These aren’t the only deadlines that may be involved in your case. Some workplace sexual harassment cases may also involve personal injury lawsuits. In Florida, the personal injury statute of limitations is typically two years. This deadline may be longer or shorter depending on the facts of your case. If you miss this time window, you won’t be able to pursue a lawsuit. Let our firm review your case to see what deadlines may apply to your claim.
These are some other benefits of getting a head start on your case:
- Provides you or your lawyer with more time to gather evidence
- Ensures that witnesses remember what they know of your sexual harassment incident
- Indicates that you’re serious about pursuing justice
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we understand that sexual harassment cases are uniquely sensitive. We don’t want you to feel rushed, and we recognize that revisiting your trauma may be difficult for you. We’re prepared to work at your pace. However, we also recognize that legal cases often come with deadlines. As your lawyers, we can ensure that your workplace sexual harassment case stays on track.
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How Are Sexual Harassment Cases Settled?
Sexual harassment cases are usually settled through a lawsuit or settlement negotiations. If you file a claim with FCHR, they may assist you by offering mediation.
Mediation is a settlement process that involves a third-party mediator. Typically, FCHR provides a mediator. While the mediator cannot decide the outcome of a case, they encourage both parties to come to an equitable agreement. According to the FCHR, these are the benefits of using mediation:
- Confidential
- Cheaper and less time-consuming than a lawsuit
- Helps you uncover the real problems within your workplace
- Improves communication between you and your employer
- Less adversarial than a lawsuit
Our team can support you regardless of the option you choose. If a lawsuit is required, we’re prepared to go to court on your behalf. We can prepare you for a civil trial.
Hire a Clermont Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
Victims of workplace sexual harassment have the right to pursue compensation. At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we understand that sexual harassment cases are sensitive and we recognize that revisiting your trauma may be difficult. Our team is here to support you and help you pursue compensation for your damages so that you can focus on healing. We can explain your legal options during a case evaluation.
Contact our offices to request a consultation and get started today.
Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today
