Whenever an employee goes to the workplace in Birmingham, AL, he or she expects and deserves to be treated respectfully and with dignity. No worker anticipates becoming a victim of sexual harassment. Yet, statistics show that there are thousands of claims submitted for sexual harassment in the workplace every year.
An incident of a sexual nature may leave an employee feeling a range of conflicting emotions. After the initial shock and rage, he or she may feel the urge to report the matter to a higher authority at work. Yet, that person may still be afraid of what could be harsh repercussions, such as the loss of employment. Fearing such results, he or she may feel forced to endure such a hostile work environment quietly.
If you have found yourself in a hostile work environment due to sexual harassment, you don’t have to let this injustice pass by. The lawyers at Norris Injury Lawyers serving Birmingham, AL, have years of experience handling sexual harassment claims, and we have the resources needed to get you fair compensation for damages suffered. Call us at 800-477-7510 for a free consultation with a sexual harassment attorney.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?
Everyone is familiar with the term “sexual harassment.” However, the definition of sexual harassment itself may differ depending on the source. So what exactly does the term “sexual harassment” mean legally?
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handles all cases of sexual harassment. According to the EEOC, an act of sexual harassment constitutes unwelcome sexual advances that explicitly affect employment, interfere with an employee’s work performance, or create an intimidating environment. The unwanted sexual advances can be physical or verbal.
The EEOC recognizes sexual harassment as a form of sex and gender discrimination, and thus a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Further, Alabama code §13A-11-8, which lists examples of harassing communications, would also have a bearing on sexual harassment claims. Sexual harassment has been known to lead to sexual assault.
There are two types of sexual harassment in the workplace. These are:
- “Quid Pro Quo”: This type of sexual harassment occurs when an authority figure, like a boss or supervisor, demands sexual favors from an employee in exchange for benefits, such as promotions or increases in pay. Or the opposite occurs and an employee is threatened with losing his or her job if sexual favors are not performed.
- Hostile environment: The second form of sexual harassment occurs when a worker becomes a victim of constant verbal or physical abuse of a sexual nature by a supervisor or other employees. The abuse is so pervasive that the victim’s work performance is affected, thus creating a hostile work environment.
Common Types of Sexual Harassment in Birmingham, AL
As mentioned, there are various types of sexual harassment in the workplace. It includes unwelcome words or actions of a sexual nature. Both men and women can be the victims or the aggressors of sexual harassment.
Some common types of sexual harassment include:
- Repeated unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
- Inappropriate sexual innuendos, comments, or jokes
- Using degrading sexual terms toward another person
- Displaying obscene images or videos in the workplace
- Sending sexual emails to an employee
- Inappropriate comments about a person’s physical appearance
- Staring at another person’s body in an offensive and uncomfortable way
- Spreading rumors of a sexual nature about a worker
- Repeatedly asking a co-worker for a date after being rejected
- Repeatedly asking for sexual favors
- Asking for sex in exchange for a promotion
- Offensive sexual gestures
Of course, this list is not comprehensive. There are many other types of speech and actions that would constitute sexual harassment. And proving a claim may not always be so straightforward. You would have to show that you experienced repeated unwanted sexual advances that created a hostile work environment or denied benefits due to not performing sexual favors.
An experienced Birmingham sexual harassment lawyer can help you navigate the process and thus reduce any stress that you may be experiencing. You have legal rights, and any of the sexual harassment attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers will know how to protect your rights. You do not have to fight your claim alone.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive
Victims of sexual harassment are legally entitled to pursue compensation for damages suffered from all responsible parties, including harassers and employers. If you were refused entitled benefits or terminated because you refused to perform sexual favors, you are entitled to seek compensation for your loss. It is simply unfair for you to have suffered such losses due to the actions of another person.
You may be compensated for:
- Lost wages and back pay (includes raises, tips, bonuses, vacation pay, and retirement)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Therapy sessions (past and future)
- Possible punitive damages
Employees should not be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome at their place of employment. You may have personally devoted many years of your life working hard to further the cause of the company. You thus have the legal right to be compensated for damages you may have suffered as a victim of sexual harassment.
Keep in mind that there is limited time to file a sexual harassment claim. In general, the deadline for a victim to file a claim with the EEOC is 180 days from the date of the alleged violation. It is therefore vital to get legal advice from an experienced lawyer with our law firm as soon as possible.
Our Sexual Harassment Attorneys Serving Birmingham, AL Are Here to Assist You
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in Birmingham, AL, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the thought of taking action. The fear of losing your case and facing retaliation may be weighing on your mind as well. In fact, the entire process involved with reporting sexual harassment may seem very daunting to you.
It is true that some sexual harassment cases are resolved with a satisfactory outcome after being reported. But sometimes, a complaint submitted does not go so well. Perhaps, it might not be taken seriously, or it may result in harsh repercussions.
Do not take any chances with your claim. Speak with a sexual harassment attorney who is familiar with the process of sexual harassment claims. Our experienced sexual harassment lawyers understand the emotional trauma commonly experienced by victims of sexual harassment, and we can help you get through this difficult time.
Having a Birmingham sexual harassment lawyer in your corner really can make all the difference. Let Norris Injury Lawyers put our 40+ years of legal experience to work for you and get you every penny you deserve.
Call us at (800) 477-7510 to find out how and to schedule a case review with us. Your initial consultation is free, and we only collect payment for our services if and when you get your compensation.
