If you are a victim of Ohio workplace sexual harassment, 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 you may also have endured mental anguish.
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 on the job in Ohio.
What State Laws Protect Against Sexual Harassment?
Ohio has no specific law written regarding sexual harassment, but it considered a form of sexual discrimination prohibited by state laws as well as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, so you have protection of state and federal laws. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment on the job in Ohio, you will need to follow proper procedures to get a claim underway.
What Would Be Considered Sexual Harassment?
A one-time sexual comment does not always justify a sexual harassment claim. You must show an ongoing pattern or show there have been repetitive behaviors not addressed. Maintaining evidence and documentation to support your claim is imperative to a successful outcome of your case against your employer.
Sexual harassment can be less obvious or discreet, so you must be attentive and carefully document everything. Examples of offenses may be requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical harassment that is of a sexual nature, inappropriate jokes or displaying sexist images, or mistreating an individual simply because of gender. If it causes a hostile work environment, you have grounds for an Ohio sexual harassment claim.
How Is It Covered By Law In Ohio?
State and federal laws establish the guidelines and prohibit workplace sexual harassment in Ohio. If you have fallen victim to workplace sexual harassment in Ohio, 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. You should get your claim underway in a timely fashion because in general, you have 180 days to file a sexual harassment claim against an employer.
Where To File a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim in Ohio
The first step in starting a workplace sexual harassment claim in Ohio is talking with your employer. Be sure to maintain documentation and evidence. Check your employee handbook to see if include your company’s guidelines for filing a sexual harassment complaint, and if so, follow those procedures specifically. If your employer does not have its own sexual harassment complaint process included in the handbook, get the process underway by meeting with your employer about the issues at hand by talking with a human resources representative.
Document the discussions and keep all correspondence pertaining to your sexual harassment claim. If the issue does not get the attention needed, you can advance your claim to the government organization that enforces Ohio employment laws or federal laws. This would be a state labor office or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In Ohio, you can file a claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. If the proper agency does not get the issue resolved, you will need to file a federal lawsuit against your employer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Harassment Claim In Ohio?
You have 180 days from the date of the incident to file a complaint per federal laws. 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. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the Ohio complaint process.
Getting Help Filing A Sexual Harassment Claim in Ohio
If you are employed in Ohio and suffered workplace sexual harassment, discuss the details of your claim with an Ohio employment law attorney who may be 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 connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
Additional Resources
- Can I Sue For Sexual Harassment In the Workplace?
- List of EEOC Offices in Ohio
- Employment Discrimination in Ohio
- Can I Sue for Wrongful Termination in Ohio?
