Sexual Harassment Attorneys in Kansas City – Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
It’s an unfortunate truth—sexual harassment is prevalent in almost all sectors of society, especially in the workplace. Sexual harassment causes extreme emotional distress and can shut victims down emotionally and/or physically.
The knowledge and compassion of an experienced Kansas City sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand what might be happening and help you navigate an extremely difficult time.
What is Considered Sexual Harassment—Legally?
Thinking about sexual harassment, you might think of a superior harassing a subordinate in the workplace. While this is certainly a potential scenario, there are a lot more intricacies to sexual harassment law that a sexual harassment attorney could help you understand. Certain attorneys focus on these types of cases, which are governed by Federal and State laws including:
Basically, sexual harassment breaks into two categories. First, if the conduct is so pervasive or severe that it creates a hostile work environment (e.g., a pattern of unwelcome advances), that may constitute actionable sexual harassment. Second—and likely more commonly known—is the type of sexual harassment that is “offered” in exchange for some potential gain or impact on the victim’s employment (e.g., if a supervisor promises a promotion in return for responses to his or her sexual advances). This is called “quid pro quo” sexual harassment.
What to Do When you Face Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Finding the right attorney can be difficult. When doing your research, find someone who is experienced in advocating for victims of sexual harassment. This is particularly important because sexual harassment cases are extremely complex, and you deserve someone with experience.
Workplace Sexual Harassment Laws are Complex
It is a common misconception that the harasser needs to be a direct superior for the conduct to qualify as sexual harassment. This is not the case. A supervisor from the same department can be a harasser, but so can supervisors in other departments, other employees, and even non-employees, like independent contractors and agents.”
There are many factors that go into determining if something is sexual harassment. The harassment must be unwelcome. Usually, it requires a pattern of conduct, but sometimes a single serious incident might qualify. Further, the conduct itself need not be physical. Sexual harassment can occur without any contact whatsoever, either verbally (e.g., lewd comments or even just general comments on gender/sex) or nonverbally (e.g., unwelcome gawking/staring, posting inappropriate images or statements in the workplace). An experienced sexual harassment attorney can help advise you on these complex factors.
Is Your Employer Liable?
A sexual harassment lawyer can also advise you and represent you regarding the potential liability of the employer. Employers are usually liable for sexual harassment caused by a supervisor. Additionally, employers can sometimes be liable for sexual harassment caused by a non-supervisory coworker, or even a customer, if the employer fails to correct the harassment.
Federal and state anti-discrimination laws also preclude employers from taking retaliatory action against employees who have filed discrimination charges or participated in a discrimination investigation (e.g., as a witness). The law is robust in protecting these individuals from retaliatory action.
Speak With an Experienced Kansas City Sexual Harassment Lawyer
There is no wrong time to contact a sexual harassment lawyer or employment law attorney, even if you simply have questions. An attorney can advise you at the beginning when it might be that conduct is just starting, and you are not sure exactly what it means. He or she can also advise you if there is ongoing sexual harassment and represent you if there is an action that needs to be taken. There are intricacies to the law at every step. For example, prior to even filing an action, a sexual harassment lawyer can review your company policies and tell you about any internal measures that need to be addressed before filing a suit (such as submitting internal reports to human resources).
You don’t need to go through this alone. There is no downside to scheduling a free consultation with experienced, compassionate sexual harassment lawyers. Reach out to us at Hollis Law Firm for more guidance. You can reach us at (913) 385-5400 or fill out our contact form.
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