Too many workers are harboring a secret: they are suffering sexual harassment at work. Maybe your boss threatened to fire you if you did not consent to sex, or your coworkers are harassing you with catcalls and offensive imagery. Either way, going to work is a dreadful experience.
Call us. Premier Law Group protects the rights of workers to fair and equal treatment. Sexual harassment is a type of sex discrimination, and there is no excuse for it. Call our firm to speak with a Bellevue sexual harassment attorney about whether you can file an administrative complaint or lawsuit.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is defined by state and federal laws. There are two main types:
1. Quid pro quo: A boss offers a job benefit, like a promotion or bump in pay, in exchange for sexual favors. Essentially, quid pro quo means “something for something else.” An employer might also threaten a negative employment action unless the worker consents to sex.
2. Hostile work environment: A workplace becomes hostile when offensive conduct is severe or pervasive. This conduct can consist of jokes, catcalls, unwanted touching, sexualized images, sexual nicknames, and offensive gestures. A workplace is also hostile even if the conduct is not sexualized. Negative comments or jokes about men or women—“All women are dumb,” “Men can’t really listen to anyone” and so on—could also form the basis of a sexual harassment claim.
It is critical to remember that anyone can suffer from sexual harassment. Both men and women are harassed daily, and your harasser can be of the same or a different sex. Do not suffer in silence.
Washington’s Approach to Sexual Harassment
Washington also recognizes quid pro quo and hostile work environment claims. However, the state also has laws requiring an employer to offer leave to an employee to deal with sexual assault or domestic violence. The worker might use this time to coordinate with law enforcement, obtain counseling, or even relocate for their safety.
Retaliation is Also Illegal
Any worker complaining about sexual harassment is also protected from retaliation. It is illegal for your employer to take negative employment actions because you complained about sexual harassment. You should not suffer:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Cut in pay or benefits
- Loss of training opportunities
For a free legal consultation with a sexual harrassment lawyer serving Bellevue, call (206) 285-1743
GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
What Remedies Can You Receive?
Depending on the case, we might seek:
- Job reinstatement
- Back pay
- Compensatory damages
- Emotional distress damages
- Attorneys’ Fees
Bringing a legal claim is complicated. Under federal law, you must first submit a discrimination charge to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), who can investigate. They might recommend mediation or, after a period, give you a right-to-sue letter, which allows you to bring a lawsuit in court.
Our Bellevue Sexual Harassment Lawyers Hold Employers Accountable
Premier Law Group welcomes the renewed attention sexual harassment has received recently in the media. For legal assistance, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. We can meet confidentially to review the conduct you are suffering and come up with ideas for what evidence to collect.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.