New Haven, CT
Sexual Harassment Attorney
At the law office of Hayber, McKenna & Disnmore, LLC, our New Haven, CT sexual harassment attorneys are passionate about standing up for employees in our state and the victims of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. If you have been unlawfully sexually harassed in the workplace, our lawyers are here to support you in your claim for damages. To learn more about how we can support you and your rights, please call our New Haven sexual harassment attorneys directly today.
What Are the Laws Related to Sexual Harassment in CT?
The state of Connecticut is bound by the same laws that are administered at the federal level related to sexual harassment. These laws hold that all employees in our state have the right to work in a workplace that is free from sexual harassment; sexual harassment is illegal. The laws related to sexual harassment are found at the federal level in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and also at the state level in Connecticut General Statutes Section 46a-60.
Sexual harassment can refer to many different inappropriate and illegal actions, and can occur between two employees, an employee and a supervisor, two managers in different departments, etc. Examples of sexual harassment include making unwelcome sexual advances, making physical or verbal sexual assaults, making non-consensual sexual conduct, or requesting sexual favors. This list is not inclusive; if you believe that you have been a victim of sexual harassment, it’s important to speak to an attorney.
What Is Quid Pro Quo?
Quid pro quo is one of the more aggressive and egregious forms of sexual harassment, and occurs when a person in a position of power (such as a manager) offers something to an employee in exchange for some sort of sexual favor. Typically, an employee who refuses to consent with the request will face some sort of retaliation, such as being denied a promotion that they have earned or being terminated.
How to Prove a Hostile Work Environment Was Created
You do not have to have a quid pro quo case in order to have a sexual harassment case. Instead, in order to have a successful claim for sexual harassment in the workplace, you will need to prove that the harassment created a hostile work environment, either because the incident of sexual harassment was so severe, or because the sexual harassment continued so frequently as to be pervasive. A hostile work environment refers to an environment that an ordinary person in the same circumstance would file intimidating and unwelcome. We can help you to prove that a hostile work environment was created by gathering evidence to support your case, highlighting the damages you’ve suffered, and drawing on the experiences of other employees.
Remedies Available by Bringing a Sexual Harassment Action
It is important that you take action quickly to bring forth a sexual harassment case, as you will have a limited amount of time to do so from the date that the act of sexual harassment happened per the statute of limitations. In Connecticut, a person who has suffered sexual harassment must bring their claim forth within 180 days of a sexual harassment incident and can bring a civil action within two years of filing a complaint after obtaining a release from the CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
Once you file your complaint, an investigation will commence. If there is a finding of sexual harassment, you may be eligibile for certain remedies, including compensation for any financial losses you have suffered, such as back pay; reinstatement to your original position or promotion you were denied; compensation for job search and other costs you’ve incurred; compensation for emotional harm suffered; and, in some cases, punitive damages.
How We Can Help
Our lawyers are here to hear your story, explain the options available to you, investigate your case, gather evidence, and create a legal strategy that’s customized to you and your situation. We promise to put in the resources and energy that are necessary to improve your claim’s chances of success.
If you think that you have a sexual harassment claim, our lawyers can help. We provide personalized services, are committed to taking the time it takes to ensure you get personalized attention, and have years of experience. To learn more about our New Haven, CT sexual harassment lawyers and the services that our law firm provides, please call us directly or send us a message online. We offer free consultations and always work on a contingency fee basis. We can get started on your case today.