Springfield, MA
Sexual Harassment Attorney

Regardless of your age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, pregnancy status, origin, and more, you have the right to work in a safe workplace. One thing that can make you feel unsafe, that can result in discriminatory actions against you, or that can create a hostile work environment is sexual harassment in the workplace. If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, our Springfield, MA sexual harassment attorneys at the office of Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, LLC can help. Please don’t wait any longer to reach out to us and start the process of standing up for yourself and justice, and seeking a remedy. 

What Is Sexual Harassment?

In the workplace, it is unlawful to harass someone because of that person’s sex–this is sexual harassment. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), harassment might include requests for sexual favors, physical harassment of a sexual nature, verbal harassment of a sexual nature, and requests for sexual favors. In some cases, repetitive teasing and offhand comments may be considered sexual harassment, too, if the teasing or comments become so frequent and pervasive that they created a hostile work environment, or if a single incident is so severe that it created a hostile work environment. Finally, any harassing events that result in an adverse employment decision, such as being denied a promotion, being terminated, or being penalized, constitute illegal sexual harassment. 

What to Do if You’re Being Sexually Harassed at Work

If you are being harassed at work, there are a few things that you should do as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and protect your right to file a sexual harassment claim if the behavior does not cease.

• First, tell the harasser that you want the harassing behavior to stop. Make it clear that you are uncomfortable with the behavior and do not want it to continue.

• Next, report the harassing behavior to your manager or to your company’s HR department. Make sure to provide as many details about the incident that you can, including the names of any witnesses.

• Record everything–having a written record of all of your interactions and instances of harassment may be critical later on. Be sure to also record when and by what means you reported the harassment. 

• Talk to a lawyer if the harassment does not stop, you have had an adverse action taken against you, or a hostile work environment has been created. 

Remedies for Sexual Harassment

If you are being sexually harassed at work and you file a discrimination claim, you may be eligible to receive certain remedies if a determination is made in your favor. Examples of remedies for sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

• Reinstating you to your original position;

• Giving you a promotion or another benefit that you were wrongfully denied;

• Offering you back-pay or front-pay for lost wages and benefits that you have suffered or will suffering;

• Paying for any medical costs you incurred as a result of the harassment;

• Paying for legal and court fees;

• Paying for fringe benefits;

• Compensation for emotional suffering. 

It’s important to consult with an attorney about the specifics of your case, as the damages that you have suffered as a result of the sexual harassment will be unique to you. Your attorney can review your case and provide you with information about what types of damages you may be able to recover, as well as what the chances of your claim being successful are. 

Filing a Sexual Harassment Discrimination Claim

If you think that you have a sexual harassment claim, a claim that is filed with the EEOC must be brought forth within 180 days of the act of sexual harassment in order to be valid; however, the statute of limitations for sexual harassment claims in Massachusetts is within 300 days of the date of the last act of harassment. 

When you bring forth your claim, you will file it with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, as sexual harassment is a form of discrimination. After you file your complaint, then the Commission will open an investigation. At the end of the investigation, the Commissioner will issue a determination. You have the right to appeal the determination if you do not agree with it; our lawyers can help. 

Call Our Springfield, MA Sexual Harassment Lawyers Today

If you’re a victim of discrimination in the workplace in Springfield, today is the day to stand up for your rights and seek legal counsel. Our Springfield, MA sexual harassment attorneys can help. Reach out to us today for your free consultation.