Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Chicago, IL
Helping Harassment Victims Seek Justice
Suppose you have a coworker or supervisor at work who makes you feel uncomfortable through unwanted sexual advances, remarks, or touching. In that case, you should consider your legal options to make it stop. After all, you deserve to work in a professional, safe setting where you don’t have to deal with any type of employment discrimination or harassment. If this is not the case for you, contact Atlas Law Center to change that.
Our Chicago sexual harassment lawyers have years of experience representing clients tired of being harassed in the workplace, so you can count on our team to make a difference in how your workday goes after your case.
Contact our Chicago, IL law office for a free consultation to discuss your legal options as a victim of sexual harassment.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment In The Workplace?
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a type of sex discrimination that occurs at work, which means it is not just inappropriate and unprofessional, but also illegal. This is the case regardless of who harasses you, whether it’s a coworker, manager, vendor, or customer/client. It also doesn’t matter what your gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation is, as sexual harassment is prohibited by law in all cases.
It’s not always easy for employees to identify sexual harassment, since some instances are more subtle than others. But it might help to know that it can range from verbal comments of a sexual nature – including jokes referring to sexual acts or sexual orientations – to direct requests for sexual favors and outright sexual assault. In fact, there are two main types of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.
Quid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo harassment occurs when job benefits, such as promotions or raises, are conditioned on the victim’s submission to sexual demands. So, if your manager says they will promote you only if you give in to their sexual advances – or they will fire or demote you if you don’t – this is quid pro quo sexual harassment.
Hostile Work Environment
The other form of workplace sexual harassment is called a hostile work environment. This means the conduct is so severe or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating atmosphere. So, if the unwelcome sexual conduct from your coworkers, customers, or supervisors makes you feel unsafe or unable to focus on work, contact our law firm in Chicago, IL to discuss initiating a sexual harassment case.
What Are Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Harassing conduct takes many oppressive forms that can cause you to feel uncomfortable or even threatened during your workday. This type of conduct can be verbal, visual, or physical. Some common examples of workplace sexual harassment include:
- Using obscene language in front of coworkers
- Asking coworkers invasive questions about their sexual history or sexual orientation
- Using demeaning slurs when talking to or about a coworker
- Making inappropriate comments that are sexual in nature
- Telling sexual stories and offensive jokes
- Spreading sexual rumors about a coworker
- Sending someone unsolicited sexual pictures, videos, or text messages
- Bringing sexual pictures, posters, or drawings to work or sending them to coworkers
- Pressuring a coworker to engage in sexual activity
- Touching someone inappropriately
- Making lewd gestures
- Making repeated unwanted requests for sexual favors
- Committing or attempting to commit sexual assault
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in any form, and it’s made it difficult to concentrate in the workplace or even want to go to work, you should consider taking legal action to make it stop. The first step is talking to a Chicago sexual harassment lawyer who can help you prove that you’ve been victimized in this way and may be entitled to compensation as a result.
Note that harassing conduct does not have to be sexual in nature or motivated by sexual desire in order to be considered unlawful. However, for it to be illegal, the harassing conduct must be due to gender, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, or another protected characteristic.
If your Chicago sexual harassment lawyer can prove this element, your employer may be liable for failing to prevent and correct harassment, whether it is committed by a supervisor, coworker, or third party. Contact our law firm in Chicago, IL to discuss your case.
What Laws Are Supposed to Protect You From Sexual Harassment?
There are state and federal laws in place to protect employees from workplace sexual harassment. It’s important to know what these laws say about this form of sex discrimination and what your legal remedies are if you can prove you’re a victim.
Under federal law, specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, sexual harassment is prohibited, and employers are required to maintain a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. To remain in compliance with this law and maintain a productive and respectful workplace, it is essential for employers to address sexual harassment promptly. This includes implementing clear policies, conducting regular training, and taking immediate action when issues are reported by employees.
In addition, the Illinois Department of Human Rights implemented and enforces the Illinois Human Rights Act. This state law prohibits sexual harassment and requires Illinois employers to take certain steps to prevent it. More specifically, this law states that employers that bid on public contracts must have a written policy that makes it clear that sexual harassment is illegal and will not be tolerated.
The policy must define what sexual harassment is, provide examples of it, clarify internal steps for investigating claims, and outline what the possible penalties are if someone is found to be breaking this law. The Illinois employer must publish this information in the employee handbook and post it anywhere else it makes sense. When doing this, they must also make it clear that employees have the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment and to file a legal claim if they’re harassed at work.
Skilled Chicago sexual harassment lawyers know how to use these and other laws to protect employees who take legal action through sexual harassment cases. If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work and want to pursue your legal options, consulting with a trusted employment law attorney in Chicago can be crucial in understanding your rights while pursuing appropriate legal action. Call our law firm in Chicago, IL today to learn more about filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against your employer.
What Should You Do If You’re Being Sexually Harassed At Work?
If you suspect you’re a victim of workplace sexual harassment, you might wonder what to do about it, if anything. Some people try to ignore it and carry on with their workday as if nothing is happening, but this can make the person harassing them think it’s okay and they might escalate to sexual abuse or assault. Other victims might quit their job to get away from pervasive sexual harassment, but this is just punishing themselves for actions that are not their fault, and the person committing the sexual harassment does not face any consequences in this situation.
That’s why you’re urged to report any harassment you experience at work. While the process of bringing it to light can be intimidating, it’s better than allowing it to continue for months or even years, and you do not have to initiate this legal process alone. When you have a trusted Chicago sexual harassment lawyer by your side, you will have help from a legal advocate who will guide you through every step.
Identify Inappropriate Behavior
Generally, the first step in addressing sexual harassment at work is recognizing it, which can be challenging if it’s subtle. While some sexual harassment cases involve obvious signs, like sexual abuse, inappropriate touching, or requests for sexual favors, some involve sexually explicit comments and jokes. Regardless of the form of sexual harassment you’re dealing with, if it seems to be discrimination based on your gender and it makes you uncomfortable in the workplace, it is illegal and should be stopped.
Document The Harassment
The next step is to document every instance of sexual harassment you experience. So, any time a coworker makes offhand comments about your appearance, asks you sexual questions, or touches you without consent, write down the details about it. Include the date, time, location, people involved, possible witnesses, and how it made you feel.
If someone sent you a sexually explicit email or text message, or if they put an offensive photo on your desk, keep these items as evidence for your sexual harassment case. Additionally, if you know or suspect other coworkers have experienced similar sexual harassment issues at work, consider talking to them. Their testimony might strengthen your case and help ensure the person who sexually harassed you and others faces consequences.
Consult an Experienced Attorney
Once you’ve started compiling evidence to show your Chicago sexual harassment lawyer, you should look through your employee handbook to find out what the company policy on sexual harassment is. It should describe how to report it and who to report it to, such as the human resources department. Be sure to share this information with your sexual harassment lawyer so you can work together to inform your employer of the violation.
Experienced Chicago sexual harassment lawyers are committed to helping victims put a stop to the hostile work environment they’re dealing with and pursue compensation to make up for the discomfort they’ve felt at work. This means if you’ve called in sick to work or allowed your job performance to suffer due to constant sexual harassment, you may be entitled to damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and any adverse employment action taken against you. To learn more about possible case outcomes, call our sexual harassment lawyers in Chicago, IL for help filing a sexual harassment claim.
How Can a Chicago Sexual Harassment Attorney Help You?
If you’re ready to learn more about your legal rights after experiencing sexual harassment at work, contact Atlas Law Center today. Our caring Chicago sexual harassment lawyers understand the impact any form of sex discrimination can have on employees who just want to be left alone to do their work. Whether you were punished with an adverse employment action, such as wrongful termination, or are tired of dealing with a hostile workplace due to inappropriate comments or touching, our Cook County sexual harassment lawyers are here to help.
If you’re unsure if you have a case or want to learn what kind of compensation you could be entitled to, rest assured our Chicago sexual harassment lawyers have your best interests at heart and would be happy to answer your questions.
Call our Chicago, IL law firm at 630-394-6350 to schedule a free consultation.
