If you were a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace in Oklahoma, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages through a workplace sexual harassment claim against your employer.
There are state and federal laws to protect workers from sexual harassment. If you suffered from workplace sexual harassment in Oklahoma, make sure you get supporting evidence and documentation for your claim ready, and consult with an experienced employment law attorney who represents clients in Oklahoma.
What Oklahoma State Laws Protect Against Sexual Harassment?
While there is federal protection against sexual harassment in the workplace through Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Oklahoma also has its own laws enacted.
The Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits an employer from harassing an employee based on sex or sexual orientation. A formal complaint can be filed against the employer based on the federal or the state law.
What is Considered Sexual Harassment?
A one-time event will not classify as sexual harassment, there must be an ongoing issue or pattern that you can prove was a continuous issue.
Be sure to thoroughly document the situation and consistently gather supporting evidence. Some instances of sexual harassment are more apparent than others.
Sexual harassment could include unwelcome sexual advances, requesting sexual favors, and verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Also, harassing an individual about their gender in general is prohibited. An isolated incident or some off-hand comments or teasing would not warrant a sexual harassment claim. If there are multiple incidents and it leads to a hostile work environment, you have the basis of a Oklahoma workplace sexual harassment claim.
How is it Covered by Law in Oklahoma?
Workplace sexual harassment by any employers, labor organizations, or employment agencies is prohibited in Oklahoma.
These employment related organizations are not allowed to retaliate against a person who has opposed practices that were forbidden by the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If an employee was sexually harassed against at work, they have basis for a claim and can ask to be compensated for their damages.
Where To File A Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim In Oklahoma
If you were a victim of workplace sexual harassment on the job in Oklahoma, notify your employer of the situation and file a workplace sexual harassment claim in a timely fashion. Gather evidence, including copies of documentation and statements from witnesses.
Look up the details in your employee handbook because it should have the company guidelines for filing a complaint. Some employers do not have a sexual harassment complaint process per say but start the process with your employer by meeting with human resources (HR) or explaining the situation with a supervisor.
Document filing the complaint, keep all correspondence, and document the response. If the issue does not get settled, take your claim to the next level by filing a complaint with a government organization that enforces the state 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 a satisfactory resolution to your claim is not reached, you can file a federal lawsuit against your employer to recoup damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Sexual Harassment Claim In Oklahoma?
Federal law gives a 180-day time limit for pursuing a sexual harassment claim against an employer. However, state laws extend that time limit to 300 days in Oklahoma. If you wait until the deadline has passed, you cannot recoup compensation for your damages suffered by the illegal actions. You should act promptly, and start gathering evidence right away, so you are prepared to show what happened.
Getting Help Filing A Sexual Harassment Claim in Oklahoma
If you suffered workplace sexual harassment in Oklahoma, be sure to review the details of your claim with an Oklahoma employment law attorney who handles sexual harassment claims.
Oklahoma employment law attorneys are familiar with the state and federal laws that apply to your situation. The lawyer will know the best way to proceed with your claim, will help you gather evidence, and can calculate 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 an Oklahoma workplace sexual harassment lawyer.
