If you have experienced workplace sexual harassment in Alabama, you may be eligible to file a workplace sexual harassment claim.
There are state and federal laws enacted to protect workers from the harassment and discrimination sometimes suffered because of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural heritage, or color.
If you believe you are a victim of workplace sexual harassment, you should gather supporting evidence and documentation to support your claim and to show what happened and when it happened, and then get your claim underway in a timely manner.
What Alabama State Laws Protect Against Sexual Harassment?
While Alabama does not have specific state laws that prohibit employment actions that discriminate on the basis of sex, if sexual harassment has been proven, victims can recover compensation for their damages, including lost income, emotional distress, and attorney’s fees. Employers could also be directed to pay punitive damages. Federal laws apply and provide you with the protection you need while you are in the workplace.
What is Considered Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment may include unwanted sexual advances. It could consist of inappropriate remarks, offensive jokes, references to clothing or dress, unwanted touching. It could include offering advancement for sexual favors. Sexual harassment comes in many styles and forms.
How is it Covered by Law in Alabama?
In Alabama, there is no direct law to address workplace sexual harassment. While there are no state laws to prohibit sexual harassment in the state, federal laws do apply.
You still have protections from the harassment and there are resources available to help you. If you suffered sexual harassment that led to a hostile work environment, your claim will be filed Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is applicable to any employer with 15 or more workers.
You will be able to pursue a claim against your employer to recoup losses. An employment law attorney will help you maneuver the claims process.
Where To File A Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim In Alabama
If you have suffered workplace sexual harassment in Alabama, you will need to make sure your claim is filed in a timely manner. First off, you should review your employee handbook to determine your company’s policy for filing a complaint.
If your company does not have a formal sexual harassment complaint process, you should still provide the company with notice of the harassment. You will need to make sure you notify your employer’s human resources department or a supervisor.
Provide copies of evidence and supporting documentation. Be sure to document the employer’s response, and if the issue is not resolved, you will need to advance it to the next level.
The next step is to file a complaint with a government agency. That would be any agency that enforces Title VII. You can file the complaint directly with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
They will investigate your claim and determine what happened. If they cannot get a satisfactory resolution to your claim, they will suggest you file a federal lawsuit against your employer.
You can ask to be compensated for your damages through the lawsuit. Damages may include lost wages, lost benefits, mental anguish, and other losses. An employment law attorney will be able to help you get your claim on the right track and recoup your losses.
How Long Do I Have To File A Sexual Harassment Claim In Alabama?
In the state of Alabama, you have a maximum of six months to pursue a workplace sexual harassment claim. This is the statute of limitations for this specific kind of employment law claim.
This means that if you wait longer than six months to pursue a claim against your employer, your claim will be dismissed, and you will not be able to recoup compensation for your damages.
You will need supporting evidence and documentation for your claim, and you will need to make sure you follow all the guidelines and contact the proper parties. Be sure to keep all documentation and evidence to support the claim and provide copies of those records with your claim.
Getting Help Filing A Sexual Harassment Claim in Alabama
If you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment in Alabama, you should enlist the help of an employment law attorney who handles such cases in the state.
An employment law attorney is familiar with the state and federal laws that apply, will know the best way to proceed with your claim, and will make sure everything is filed in a timely manner. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today.
