If you experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in North Carolina, you may have reason to pursue a workplace sexual harassment claim against your employer to recover compensation for your losses. You may have suffered lost wages, lost benefits, and mental anguish as well as other damages. To succeed with your claim, you will need supporting evidence and documentation. You will also need to prove you suffered losses because of the sexual harassment you endured while on the job.
What State Laws Protect Against Sexual Harassment?
North Carolina has a state law prohibiting sexual harassment and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also applies. The state law mandates that government employers to create a plan that ensures unlawful workplace harassment takes place.
Also, The North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment on the job in North Carolina, you will need to follow proper procedures to get a claim underway. Make sure you maintain a file of evidence showing what happened, how it happened, who witnessed it, and how you responded to those actions.
What Would Be Considered Sexual Harassment?
An inappropriate joke or a single inappropriate remark does not constitute a sexual harassment claim. You will need to show there is an ongoing pattern of harassment. There are some instances of harassment that are more discreet, but oftentimes, they are more obvious and blaring.
You could suffer from unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical harassment that is of a sexual nature. You must have supporting evidence for a successful North Carolina sexual harassment claim.
How Is It Covered By Law In North Carolina?
State and federal laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. The state sexual harassment laws in North Carolina prohibit harassment based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. If you suffered North Carolina workplace sexual harassment, you may have probable cause for a workplace sexual harassment claim. You can ask to be compensated for any damages you suffered. Your employer is prohibited from retaliating against you for reporting any acts of harassment or discrimination.
Where To File A Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim In North Carolina
Your first step in a workplace discrimination case is talking with your employer about any discrimination you experienced. Be sure to keep copies of all evidence and document everything that has been said or done regarding the discriminatory acts. Review employment records to see how a sexual discrimination claim should proceed with your employer. Most employers have set protocol in place and rules that must be followed.
If you do not see set guidelines then notify your employer either by talking with a supervisor or human resources and be sure to document everything including a response or a lack of a response. If the issue is not properly resolved, you can advance your claim to the government organization that enforces either North Carolina state laws or the federal employment laws.
This would be a state labor office or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If the issue does not reach a resolution, they will provide you with the documentation that you need to file a lawsuit against your employer.
How Long Do I Have To File A Sexual Harassment Claim In North Carolina
In general, you have 180 days from the date of the incident to file a complaint per federal laws. However, some state laws extend that time limit. Intake forms are available on the Civil Rights Division of North Carolina Office on Administrative Hearings website.
Complaints of retaliation are filed with the North Carolina Department of Labor. There are three EEOC offices in North Carolina, located in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro.
Getting Help Filing A Sexual Harassment Claim in North Carolina
If you suffered workplace sexual harassment in North Carolina, consult with an employment law attorney familiar with the state and federal discrimination and harassment laws. When you speak with an employment law attorney, discuss the specifics of their payment plans.
Some workplace sexual harassment lawyers require a retainer and charge hourly rates while others take claims on a contingency basis. You need to make sure you and your attorney are agreeable and on the same page so your claim can be successful. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so you can decide how to proceed before the statute of limitations runs out.
