North Dakota Workplace Sexual Harassment

If you have been a victim of workplace sexual harassment in North Dakota, you may have reason to pursue a workplace sexual harassment claim against your employer. Through a claim, you can ask to be compensated for your losses suffered because of the harassment.

You may have lost wages, lost benefits, and you may have suffered mental anguish because of the actions. You will need to provide supporting documentation and evidence to back up your claim. You will also need to prove your losses are connected directly to the harassment you suffered.

What State Laws Protect Against Sexual Harassment?

In addition to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, workers in North Dakota are protected by the North Dakota Human Rights Act, which is noted in the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 14-02.4. The state law prohibits workplace discrimination based on sex, including childbirth, pregnancy, and medical conditions. If you have suffered North Dakota workplace harassment, you can pursue a claim against your employer.

What Would Be Considered Sexual Harassment?

While a single incident can be offensive, a single issue does not warrant or justify a workplace sexual harassment claim. You will need to show there were ongoing issues or problems that your employer ignored or did not address properly. You should maintain a file of documentation and evidence to back up your allegations.

There are situations in which sexual harassment is somewhat discreet, so you must be attentive and carefully document the details. The harassment could be unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal remarks and jokes. If it causes a hostile work environment, it may justify a North Dakota workplace sexual harassment claim.

How Is It Covered by Law In North Dakota?

State and federal laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. State laws in North Dakota prevent sexual harassment because of your gender. If you are a victim of workplace sexual harassment in North Dakota, you have grounds for a workplace sexual harassment claim and can ask for compensation for your damages. State and federal laws also prevent your employer from retaliating against you because you report the illegal harassment or discrimination to the proper agency.

Where To File a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim In North Dakota

Your first step to pursuing a claim for workplace sexual harassment in North Dakota is talking to your employer. Document everything and maintain a file of supporting evidence. Check your employee handbook to see if include your company’s guidelines for filing a sexual harassment complaint. If your employer does not have its own sexual harassment complaint process, you can get the process started by meeting with your employer about the issues at hand. This can be done by speaking with a supervisor or with someone in HR.

Document your notification made to the employer, and then carefully note the response. If the issue does not get properly handled, you can advance your claim to the government organization that enforces North Dakota workplace sexual harassment laws. This would be a state labor office or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If they do not get the issue resolved, or if they discover an ongoing pattern, you can file a federal lawsuit against your employer for their actions and failure to resolve the issue.

How Long Do I Have to File A Sexual Harassment Claim In North Dakota?

You have 180 days from the date of the incident to file a complaint per federal laws, but since there are North Dakota laws that apply, your time limit is extended to 300 days. If you do not file before the deadline runs out, your claim will be dismissed, and you cannot recover compensation. Start gathering evidence right away and make sure you have the issue addressed and claim underway in a timely fashion.

Getting Help Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in North Dakota

If you are employed in New Hampshire and suffered workplace sexual harassment, discuss the details of your claim with a North Dakota employment law attorney who is familiar with workplace sexual harassment cases. Employment law attorneys are likely knowledgeable about both state and federal laws that apply to employment.

When you meet with an employment law attorney, discuss the details of their payment options. Some workplace sexual harassment lawyers require a retainer and charge hourly rates while others take claims on a contingency basis. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to get in touch with an independent, participating lawyer who subscribes to the website.