When you work in Philadelphia, you may experience acts of sexual harassment. These acts can come from coworkers, employers, managers, supervisors, and even clients or customers. However, no matter who commits these acts, you have a right to fight back against any workplace sexual harassment you may endure.
There are no circumstances in which sexual harassment at work is acceptable. It does not matter if you were flirtatious, worse a short skirt or tight pants, or smiled at your customer in a certain way. Once you experience any form of unwanted sexual advances, contact, or comments, you have a right to claim sexual harassment and fight back. A Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your rights against workplace sexual harassment.
Read on to learn more about your rights as employee-facing sexual harassment in the Philadelphia workplace.
- You Have the Right to a Sexual Harassment-Free Workplace
The first thing any Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer will tell you is that you have the right to a workplace free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is the result of unwanted sexual comments, advances, or physical contact. Anyone within the workplace, from your employer, supervisor, or manager to your coworker, client, or vendor can commit acts of sexual harassment. Additionally, anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment (male, female, heterosexual, homosexual, transgender, etc.).
No matter who commits acts of sexual harassment, it is illegal in the workplace. Your employer has a responsibility to create a workplace free from sexual harassment. They also must hold sexual harassers accountable for their actions within the workplace.
- You Have a Right to Hold Your Employer Accountable for Workplace Sexual Harassment.
This statement brings us to the next point. You have the right to expect your employer to protect you against sexual harassment in the workplace. When they refuse that responsibility, you have the right to hold them accountable for their actions. At this point, you have a right to file a complaint with HR. However, you also have the right to contact a Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer to help you fight for your rights.
Many times, HR is simply an arm of your employer. Therefore, they may find you do not have sufficient evidence to claim sexual harassment at work, especially if it is a claim against upper and middle management. Since your employer must be accountable for what occurs within their workplace, you can go beyond HR to hold your employer accountable. The courts can help ensure your employer gets held accountable for any sexual harassment occurring within their workplace if they choose to shirk their responsibility.
- You Have a Right to Work with a Qualified Sexual Harassment Lawyer.
As the victim of sexual harassment in the Philadelphia workplace, you have the right to work with a qualified and dedicated Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer to fight your employer. If you worked in NYC, you would want a sexual harassment lawyer in NYC to help you fight for your rights. However, you need a sexual harassment lawyer in Philadelphia to help you fight against your employer regarding sexual harassment.
If the HR team does not hold your employer accountable for sexual harassment, you can turn to a qualified Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer to ensure your employer does not get away with allowing sexual harassment at work. Your sexual harassment attorney can help you tell your story and collect all the necessary evidence to ensure your employer is held accountable.
- You Have a Right to Receive Compensation for Your Sexual Harassment Claim
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a severe problem. It comes from a sense of entitlement, power, and invincibility. However, no one is entitled to make you feel uncomfortable or like an object for sexual pleasure. Therefore, your employer must learn a lesson, which results in compensation for your claim.
Your Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer can help you determine the available compensation. They will help you calculate the lost wages you suffered, along with associated expenses and the monetary value for the pain and suffering you endured. As a result, this number can be submitted to the courts as well as any settlement discussion between your employer and your Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer.
- You Have the Right to Work Again, Despite Suffering Sexual Harassment at Work
Your employer cannot fire you or force you to quit because you complained about sexual harassment in the workplace. Additionally, they cannot prevent you from obtaining another job, even if you have brought a lawsuit against them for sexual harassment.
Preventing you from working is a form of retaliation. Sexual harassment is illegal. If it results in retaliation, your Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer can file an additional claim against your employer. You have every right to continue to work and earn a living. You did not commit any act of sexual harassment. You did not break the law.
If you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment, the dedicated Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group can help. Call us at (215) 391-4790 for a free consultation.
