Chicago Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Sexual harassment is considered a violation of an individual’s right to work or learn in a safe and secure environment. Victims of sexual harassment in Chicago may be entitled to financial compensation for harm suffered, such as lost wages or pain and suffering. To discuss a potential case with an attorney, contact Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, to request a free consultation.
Why Choose Us?
- We are a team of aggressive and nationally recognized sexual harassment, abuse, and assault attorneys. We are proud to be Chicago’s fastest-growing personal injury law firm.
- Our sexual harassment attorneys have years of experience representing clients in lawsuits against employers, corporations, schools, and other adversaries. We do not back down from a fight.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means your Chicago sexual harassment attorney will not charge you any fees for legal services unless you win your case.
How Can a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Chicago Help?
A sexual harassment lawyer will have years of knowledge, education, and experience handling cases related to this practice area to put to use on your behalf. An attorney in Chicago will have the ability to go up against any defendant in pursuit of justice. You can trust your attorney to protect your best interests while you focus on healing from this traumatic event.
Your lawyer can evaluate your sexual harassment case, conduct an in-depth investigation, offer tailored legal advice, file a complaint with an administrative agency, negotiate with your employer or an insurance company, hire qualified experts to testify, and represent you during a court trial (if necessary).
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a type of discrimination based on gender that can make a victim feel threatened or at risk of serious harm. It is an inappropriate type of behavior that can occur in various settings, including workplaces, educational institutions, online, and in public places.
Sexual harassment can involve inappropriate remarks, gestures, or physical advances of a sexual nature in a professional or social setting, such as work or school. It is considered a form of sex discrimination that is prohibited by law. Unfortunately, it is still something that occurs frequently in Chicago.
Quid Pro Quo
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) identifies two types of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile work environment. Quid pro quo sexual harassment means “this for that,” or requests for sexual favors in exchange for something else.
A perpetrator of quid pro quo sexual harassment may threaten to take adverse employment action against a victim or promise job benefits or promotions in exchange for compliance with sexual requests.
Hostile Work Environment
While the law does not prohibit offhand comments or simple teasing, it does ban harassment that is so severe or frequent that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment. If the victim feels unsafe, unwelcome or cannot perform the functions of his or her job due to sexual harassment, it has reached a level that constitutes a violation of the law. If sexual harassment results in an adverse employment action, this is also against the law.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take many forms. It can involve verbal insults or remarks, inappropriate physical touching, sexualized gestures or facial expressions, and online forms of harassment.
Examples include:
- Invasions of privacy
- Unwelcome massages
- Sexually suggestive gestures
- Requests for sexual favors
- Comments on your sex, gender, or gender expression
- Remarks about your appearance
- Sexually explicit comments
- Explicit photos sent via text or email
- Circulating nude photos
- Revenge porn
- Kissing or hugging
- Fondling or groping
- Touching the private parts
- Rape or attempted rape
Any type of sexual harassment that negatively impacts the victim could lead to an official complaint, investigation, and lawsuit in Chicago.
What to Do if You Are Being Sexually Harassed in Chicago
First, tell someone in charge about the sexual harassment. Describe the incident to your boss, the human resources department, a school administrator, or another authority figure. Write down who you speak to and how they react to your complaint. If they do not take prompt action to remedy the issue, this could be a sign of negligence (failure to act with reasonable care). Document the harassment in as much detail as possible.
If your workplace or school does not help you, file a complaint with an administrative body for an external review. For example, you could file a complaint with the EEOC or the Illinois State Board of Education. They will investigate the incident and may take action against the wrongdoer to protect you and others in your position. Finally, when you are ready, consult with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago to discuss a potential civil claim. Bring all evidence and documentation you have regarding the incident to your initial case review.
Compensation Available
A sexual harassment civil claim in Chicago could lead to financial compensation being awarded for your past and future losses.
A variety of economic and noneconomic damages may be available, including:
- Medical bills
- Counseling or therapy
- Mental health care
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Lost future capacity to earn
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Punitive damages
Discuss the potential value of your sexual harassment case and the damages that may be available with one of our attorneys for more information.
What Is Retaliation?
A large number of people who experience sexual harassment fail to report it to a manager, supervisor, or administrator. One common reason for staying silent is fear of retaliation, such as job loss. However, retaliation is another violation of the law that can come with consequences for the perpetrator. If your employer takes adverse employment action against you for reporting or complaining about sexual harassment in Chicago, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
Speak to a Chicago Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
You have legal rights as a victim of sexual harassment in Chicago. You do not have to tolerate this crime in silence. You can take legal action against your harasser and an institution – such as your workplace or school – in pursuit of justice. A successful lawsuit could hold one or more wrongdoers accountable for your mistreatment, give you a sense of justice and closure, and reimburse you for your related losses.
If you believe you have a case of sexual harassment in Chicago or the surrounding cities, contact us to request a free consultation. The attorneys at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, can guide you through the legal process step by step. Call (312) 321-8414 today.