Sexual Harassment – What to Do When it Happens to You
Sexual harassment is a serious offense. But it is still very common. It is prevalent in workplaces of all kinds. If you are a victim of sexual harassment then you can take legal action to seek justice. Here’s what to do when it happens to you.
Find a good local attorney
The laws that govern sexual harassment may differ from state to state. It is, therefore, important that you seek counsel with a good lawyer with offices in your area. If you don’t know any attorneys and wish to remain discreet and not ask anyone for recommendations, you can utilize online searches to find good law firms. A simple search with a keyword like sexual harassment attorneys near me can help you find links to law firms’ websites.
Check the various websites to find more information on the attorneys. Read their profiles to know about their expertise and experience. Make note of the attorneys with good experience who also offer free consulting sessions. Choose not more than three names at a time. Otherwise, the search can become overwhelming.
Book your session, which you can do by filling a simple online form or calling the attorneys’ offices.
Ask the right questions during your consultations
Consulting sessions are an opportunity to meet the attorneys face-to-face and discuss your sexual harassment matter. Use the time to ask any questions you may have about the legal process pertaining to it.
Reading about such matters is different. Discussing it with attorneys and getting your queries responded to by experts in person is another thing altogether. So, note down the questions you have for the attorneys and do not hesitate to ask if another question comes to mind after you hear their responses.
Ask the same questions to all the attorneys on your list. It will help you assess which attorney is right for you.
Discuss your case in detail
Consultations are also the time to provide the attorneys details about your sexual harassment matter. It is important to not leave out any details as it can make a difference in your case.
Let the attorneys know if you have any evidence to support your claim; such as recorded phone calls between you and the employer. If any of your colleagues are willing to testify on your behalf then provide this information to the attorneys.
Hire an attorney
Based on your interactions with the attorneys, choose the one that you feel understands your case the best. Also, consider your comfort level with the attorneys, the solutions offered, and their overall experience in handling sexual harassment cases when making your hiring decision.
Feel free to mull over your choices for a day or two. But do not delay it much as it is best to file sexual harassment claims as soon as possible. Delays can give your employer a chance to threaten other employees to not testify for you or derail the case in any other way. They may also spread lies about you to malign your reputation in the industry. So, choose well but choose fast.
Follow the instructions your attorney provides you
Your attorney will provide you a set of instructions to follow. These can be trying to record phone calls between your employer and managers where you discuss matters of your sexual harassment. You may be asked to continue with your job or resign from it depending on your unique situation.
Trust between client and attorney is very important. You must feel comfortable about following the instructions. For this reason, also, it is important to hire the right attorney from the get go.
In the meantime, your attorney will file the claim. Negotiations with the employer’s representative may follow next. If the claim is denied for any reason, you have the option to go to trial.
Continue the fight
It is important that you do not become disheartened in case your claim is denied. The employer may even try to play foul to derail the lawsuit. So, you will need to keep calm.
A good attorney by your side can be your ally in your fight for justice. During the trial, your attorney will take all the measures to help you win the case.