Being the newest employee or an entry-level worker can be a challenge on its own. You are still learning the ropes and you are doing your best to earn a spot on the team. If you are an entry-level employee and you have been sexually harassed while on the job, you should report the incident by following the steps in your employer’s anti-harassment policy.
Gather evidence documenting the sexual harassment as well as the damages you suffered. You should file a complaint with the EEOC and ask for the guidance of an employment law attorney.
Report the Incident
If you are an entry-level employee who has suffered sexual harassment while at work, you should check to make sure your employer has an anti-harassment policy in place. If your employer has a policy in place, you should follow the proper procedures.
The policy should give you the different options that you have for reporting the harassment, including how you should file a complaint. If there is not a policy in place, you should speak with a supervisor right away. You can choose to speak with your supervisor, the harasser’s supervisor, or any other supervisor in the company. You should explain the incident in detail and then ask for that individual’s help in getting the sexual harassment to stop.
Gather Evidence
To have a successful sexual harassment claim, you must have supporting documentation and evidence that prove the harassment that you suffered and the damages you incurred because of the inappropriate behavior. Some of the supporting evidence that can help you have a successful claim includes:
- Communications from the harasser, which may include any voicemails, emails, text messages, and written correspondence;
- Your formal complaint and the company’s response, or their lack of a response;
- Your employment or personnel file;
- Your employer’s written sexual harassment policy and your employee handbook;
- Testimony from any eyewitnesses such as coworkers;
- Any videos or photos of the incidents you endured; and
- Bills and other proof of any expenses related to the harassment that you suffered because of the harassment.
You should maintain all evidence and documentation that you can gather to support your claim. You must prove what happened, how it happened, and when it happened.
Filing a Claim for Sexual Harassment as an Entry-Level Employee
When you are filing a sexual harassment claim, a specific complaint process must be adhered to. If your employer sexually harasses you or if your employer fails to protect you from harassment that you have reported, you typically may file a complaint, also known as a charge, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC will investigate your claim and they may choose to file a lawsuit on your behalf. If the EEOC does not pursue a claim for you for some reason, or if the investigation they conduct fails to provide you with help, you will be given a Right to Sue letter.
After you have received a Right to Sue letter from the EEOC, you can file a federal lawsuit against your employer and ask to be compensated for the damages that you incurred when you were sexually harassed as an entry level employee. When you receive the letter, it will inform you that you have 90 days from the date to pursue a sexual harassment lawsuit against your employer for the damages that you suffered. If you wait too long, you cannot pursue a claim and recoup your losses.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
If you have suffered from sexual harassment as an entry level worker, you should work with an employment law attorney to have a successful claim to recoup your losses. An employment law attorney is familiar with the state and federal laws that apply to your situation. With the help of a lawyer, you are much more likely to prevail and have a successful claim against your employer.
A lawyer will investigate the incidents, gather evidence and documentation, file the proper paperwork before the deadline, and then help you recover fair compensation for your damages. Discuss payment plans with the attorney because some lawyers will take the case on a contingency basis and not be paid until you win your case and others require a retainer to be paid in advance.
If you are an entry level worker who has suffered sexual harassment while on the job, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details surrounding your claim with an employment law attorney who handles sexual harassment claims for entry level employees in your area.
