Despite the strict laws and harsh punishments in place, sexual harassment in the workplace continues to happen. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you should be prepared to get your claim on track. You will need to provide supporting documentation and follow the proper procedures to get your claim on track. Here is a rundown of the sexual harassment claims process in the workplace.
You need to be sure to preserve evidence and supporting documentation, so you can prove that you were a victim of this illegal behavior. You will then want to follow proper procedures to pursue a claim against your employer and to report the behavior of your supervisor or manager. Sexual harassment in the workplace shouldn’t be tolerated, and chances are there are other victims as well.
Managing Your Sexual Harassment Claim
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you will need to make sure you have everything in order to ensure a successful claim against your employer. You need to make sure you have covered all four sexual harassment in the workplace checklist tips before you get your claim underway. By following these four tips, you are much more likely to have success with your claim and recover compensation for the damages that you suffered because of the sexual harassment you suffered from your manager or supervisor. Here are the four tips found on a sexual harassment in the workplace checklist:
Tip 1 – Complain – This may seem simple enough, but you need to make sure that your complaint is done properly. File an official complaint with your employer. You will need to maintain evidence that shows you notified your employer, so document the date and time. If possible, get a receipt or statement saying that the complaint was delivered. Having a copy of the filed complaint will be beneficial if you eventually sue your harasser. You should maintain a paper trail to support your claim, so you can prove your case should your claim advance to a lawsuit filed in a court of law.
Tip 2 – Evidence – Be sure to keep all evidence and documentation handy and readily available. You may need this evidence again later, so be sure to keep a file with all supporting evidence and documentation for your sexual harassment claim. Be sure that you have documented the date, time, and details about every incident. If there is physical evidence to support your claim, be sure to keep that. Get statements from witnesses and keep any memos or emails. Evidence could include employment contracts, employee handbooks, memos, emails, paystubs, witness statements, and any documentation that you have maintained on your own pertaining your claim.
Tip 3 – Know Your Rights – You have rights and protections when you are an employee. Quid pro quo is prohibited. Quid pro quo is when you are offered a favor or an advantage in return for something. As an example, your employment, pay, advancement, benefits or other employment related opportunities often happen through unwelcome sexual advances. As an employee who has suffered from such, you will have to prove that your supervisor made inappropriate sexual advances, your job benefits were compromised, and that you suffered harm from the harasser. Your employment law attorney who represents you throughout the sexual harassment claims process will help you gather the evidence and get your claim on track.
Tip 4 – Enlist Legal Guidance – If you believe that you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you should enlist the help of an employment law attorney who handles sexual harassment claims. An employment law attorney is familiar with the claims process and is aware of both state and federal employment laws that apply to your situation. Your attorney will build your claim, gathering supporting evidence and documentation to show that you were a victim of your supervisor’s harassment and unwanted advances. Your attorney will then pursue the claim properly, ensuring all procedures are followed and that you were a victim of the illegal actions of your employer.
To make sure your sexual harassment claim is filed in a timely manner, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page. The details of your claim will be shared with an attorney who handles sexual harassment cases in your area. Someone will be in contact with you to determine the best way for you to proceed with your claim and will help you focus on recovering compensation for your damages.
