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Sexual harassment in the workplace is more common than people realize it is. It can make any employee feel unsafe, fearful, or uncomfortable at work. Any kind of such behavior is illegal. It can take place in various forms such as inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, or even threats to job benefits.
If you have faced any kind of sexual harassment in the workplace. It is important to know your rights. Taking the right steps before contacting a sexual harassment lawyer New York City can help. In this article, we will discuss what things you need to do before getting help from a lawyer.
If you have faced sexual harassment at work, it’s important to know your rights. Taking the right steps before contacting a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in New York City can make your case stronger. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you need to do before seeking legal help.
What Steps to Take Before Contacting a Harassment Lawyer?
Here are some of the steps that one must take before getting in touch with a sexual harassment attorney:-
Know What Counts as Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is not just physical assault, it includes any unwelcome activities. Such as sexual advances, requests for favors, inappropriate comments, or even the hostile work environment. Sexual harassment is defined under both federal and New York State laws.
Common examples include:
● Verbal harassment: Any offensive jokes, comments, or repeated dates requests.
● Physical harassment: Unwanted touching, groping, or forced contact.
● Quid pro quo harassment: It is when your supervisor or senior offers a promotion or raise in exchange for sexual favors.
● Hostile work environment: Knind of workplace where sexual comments, images or actions make you uncomfortable.
Having the knowledge of what is included in sexual harassment can help you better identify your case.
Collect Proof and Keep Records
It is one of the most important things that any victim must do. Document every incident of harassment. Keeping the record can make a huge difference when it comes to proving your case.
Some things to keep track of:
● Dates, times, and locations of each incident.
● Names of people involved, including witnesses.
● Emails, text messages, or chat logs that show inappropriate behavior.
● Any reports you made to HR or supervisors and their response.
Having strong evidence against your harasser the lawyer can build up a strong case.
Check Your Company’s Harassment Policy
Many companies have policies for handling workplace harassment. You can find in detail about these in your employer handbook.
Steps to take:
● Go through your company harassment policy to better understand what measures to take.
● Find the right procedure to file the complaint internally.
● Record every step you take, such as mail to the HR department or formal complaints.
By following the company policy maybe you can get the help and the case is resolved before legal action is necessary.
Report the Harassment to HR or a Manager
Before opting for legal action report the harassment to your HR department. It is a very important step because it shows that you tried to resolve the case within your company first.
● First file a formal complaint in written format.
● After that request the written response from your HR, you have a record of how they reacted to it.
● If HR does nothing or retaliates against you, document everything and get ready for legal action.
Federal and state laws protect employees from retaliation, so your employer cannot fire, demote, or mistreat you for reporting harassment.
Learn About Your Legal Rights in NYC
New York has some of the strongest protections for employees who face workplace harassment.
● NYC Human Rights Law: Covers all kinds of workplaces, and does not depend on the size of the company.
● NY State Human Rights Law: Protects the employees and expands workplace protections.
● Federal Law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act): Applies to businesses with 15 or more employees.
If you are not sure about the rights, a Sexual Harassment Lawyer New York City can explain them to you in detail.
Consider Alternative Ways to Handle the Situation
Getting the issue resolved internally can help in some cases.
● Mediation: A neutral third party that helps both the victim and harasser to come to an agreement.
● Internal conflict resolution: Various companies have internal procedures to resolve any such issues without legal action.
● Settlement discussions: Employers may even provide compensation for your loss and even make policy changes before filing the lawsuit.
Yet, if all these do not work, immediately get in touch with a harassment attorney.
Decide If Legal Action Is Necessary
Not each and every case requires a lawsuit, but there are some signs that you should contact a lawyer immediately.
● HR ignores your complaints.
● You have faced any kind of retaliation for reporting the incident.
● The harassment keeps on going.
● You want financial compensation for it.
As there are certain limitations for filling the harassment claims, so do not wait for long to take legal action if you want.
Finding the Best Sexual Harassment Lawyer for Your Case
If you decide to go up with the legal action. Choosing the right lawyer is important.
What to look for in a good lawyer:-
● Experience in dealing with sexual harassment cases.
● A strong track record of winning cases and settlements.
● Someone who works on a contingency basis (meaning they don’t get paid unless you win).
A good example of such a form is Derek Smith Law Group. It is a well-known firm that specializes in sexual harassment cases and only charges when they recover the compensation that you deserve.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is dealing with sexual harassment, do not go through it alone. Taking the right steps such as gathering evidence, reporting, and knowing your legal rights can help you.
If internal complaints do not solve the problem, speaking with a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Los Angeles can be the best way to fight back and get the justice you deserve.
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