If you experienced workplace sexual harassment in Montana, you may be eligible to file a workplace sexual harassment claim against your employer.
When you file a claim, you can ask to be compensated for the damages you suffered because of the incident, such as lost wages and lost benefits. You will need to maintain supporting evidence, so you can prove your claim and show you suffered losses because of the sexual harassment that you endured while on the job.
What State Laws Protect Against Sexual Harassment?
The Montana Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment because of sex, which includes sexual harassment. The law applies to all employers in Montana regardless of their size and the number of employees they have. It is also illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee who has reported the sexual harassment and illegal actions of the employer. Federal laws, specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, also offers protections to workers in Montana.
What is Considered Sexual Harassment?
A single instance of sexual harassment does not warrant a claim, but if you can prove there is an ongoing problem, you have grounds to pursue a lawsuit.
You should carefully document the situation and collect supporting evidence. Sometimes sexual harassment is apparent, but at other times, it may not be as obvious.
Sexual harassment comes in many forms, including unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical harassment that is of a sexual nature.
One incident, or some off-hand comments or teasing do not justify a sexual harassment claim. Multiple instances of the inappropriate behavior that results in a hostile work environment, you have grounds for a Montana workplace sexual harassment claim.
How is it Covered by Law in Montana?
Workplace sexual harassment by any employer is prohibited by Montana law. Employers or employment-related organizations are prohibited from retaliating against a person who has opposed practices that has been deemed harassment by the Montana Human Rights Act or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
If you have fallen victim to workplace sexual harassment, you have grounds for a workplace sexual harassment claim and can ask for compensation for your damages.
Where To File A Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim In Montana
If you suffered Montana workplace sexual harassment, talk to your employer about the situation then file a workplace sexual harassment claim quickly.
Gather supporting evidence, such as copies of documentation and eyewitness statements. Review applicable details in your employee handbook because it should include your company’s guidelines for filing a sexual harassment complaint.
If your employer doesn’t have a compliant process, you can get the process underway with your employer by meeting with the HR department or explaining the situation with a supervisor.
Be sure to jot down the details about filing the complaint, keep any applicable correspondence, and document the response or the lack thereof.
If your claim is not resolved, be sure to take your claim to the next level by filing a complaint with a government organization that enforces Montana employment laws or Title VII, which could be a state office or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Your claim will be investigated by an assigned representative. He or she will work to resolve the matter. If the issue doesn’t get settled, you can file a federal lawsuit against your employer to recoup damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Sexual Harassment Claim In Montana?
Federal law gives a 180-day time limit for pursuing a sexual harassment claim against an employer. However, Missouri state laws extend that time limit to 300 days. If you wait until the deadline has passed, you cannot recoup compensation for your damages suffered by the illegal actions. You should act in a timely manner and start gathering evidence right away, so you are prepared to show what happened.
Getting Help Filing A Sexual Harassment Claim in Montana
If you were a victim of Montana workplace sexual harassment, be sure to review the details of your claim with an employment law attorney who represents workers in such claims.
Employment law attorneys are knowledgeable about the state and federal laws that apply to your situation. The sexual harassment attorney will know the best way to proceed with your specific claim, will collect supporting evidence, and determine your total damages.
When you meet with a lawyer, go over their payment options because some require a retainer while others take claims on a contingency basis. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share the details with a workplace sexual harassment lawyer.
