Sexual Harassment Attornies in Michigan
What Is Sexual Harassment & When might you need a Sexual Harrasment Lawyer?
Sexual harassment can take many forms:
- unwelcome sexual advances
- requests for sexual favors
- verbal or physical harassment that is sexual in nature
- the promise of advancement or reward in return for sex
- feeling unsafe because someone has acted in a sexual nature in your presence
- threats of harm or humiliation for withholding sex
Some sexual harassment is blatant and obvious. In other cases, victims may not immediately recognize that they are experiencing sexual harassment. Perhaps the overtures they are beginning to question or the level of inappropriateness that has occurred has become normalized and accepted.
None of these situations are OK.
A Michigan sexual harassment lawyer will help you understand sexual harassment, advise you of your rights, and work with you to determine whether or not a lawsuit is the best course of action.
Why You Need to Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Sexual harassment can happen anywhere – at school, work, hospitals, bus stop, even home. There are levels of sexual harassment that a court will question, and an experienced attorney can help you figure out. For example:
- Does the harassment you want to report qualify as conduct that any reasonable person would find offensive?
- Is the conduct severe or pervasive?
- Is your work environment considered a hostile environment under sexual harassment law?
- Was the conduct truly unwelcome?
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, you may be hesitant to report the incident or file a lawsuit. You are not alone. Many people in similar situations fear being retaliated against, embarrassed, or ostracized because of their claims. Sexual harassment is never okay, but before you file a lawsuit, you need to be aware of the hurdles you must cross to prove your case. You can protect yourself with the support of a sexual harassment lawyer.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment can be rampant in some workplaces and subtle in others. There can be entire professional cultures in which sexual harassment is tolerated and never acknowledged. Workplace sexual harassment puts victims in an precarious situation. Bringing accusations against superiors, coworkers, partners, customers, or clients can shake the foundation of a business and, some victims may fear, put their job in danger.
Worrying about the professional consequences that could come from accusing someone of sexual harassment is enough to immobilize people. But you are legally entitled to a workplace free of sexual harassment. Your sexual harassment lawyer can inform and guide you in any of the following situations:
- the best moves to make, whether or not your company has a sexual harassment policy
- the first step to take – report it to your company, file a complaint, contact law enforcement, or take legal action
- how to proceed when your employer ignores or denies the complaint
- what to do when your company does not take your complaint seriously or claims the behavior does not constitute sexual harassment
- when the discipline for your harasser is insufficient and does not stop the harassment
- determining whether offensive behavior is targeted sexual harassment or poor judgment on the part of the accused
- the differences between supervisor harassment and coworker harassment
- the action to take if you have been punished, demoted, or fired because you reported sexual harassment
- figuring out whether or not you are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
It is wise for your sexual harassment attorney to be present when you meet with your company about your complaint.
When You Are Ready to Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Michigan
Sexual harassment is an emotional, mental, and sometimes physical crime. Victims of sexual harassment are all equal in their suffering, and the level of sexual harassment that you have endured does not need to be “good enough” to be worthy of a lawsuit.
When you aren’t sure what to do first, where to turn, or when have more questions than you do answers about your sexual harassment complaint, consult with your Michigan sexual harassment lawyer. He or she will help you determine if what you experienced is considered sexual harassment under the law and what your next move should be.
If you believe you have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace or in any situation, contact Thurswell Law at (248) 648-3800 to schedule your free consultation. We are on your side.
