What to Do if You Are Sexually Harassed by a Co-worker

Wheaton County Sexual Harassment Claim Lawyers

Nobody should have to experience sexual harassment in the workplace. Unfortunately, people in many different industries experience harassment, which can affect their mental health, their personal safety, and their careers. Co-workers may make unwanted sexual advances or even threats, and in some cases, they may attempt to coerce a person into sexual activity by offering perks or benefits or threatening to punish them if they do not comply. In others, a co-worker's comments, jokes, violation of personal boundaries, or other words or actions may create a hostile work environment.

If you have been sexually harassed by a co-worker, the first action you must take is to disclose the harassment to your company's HR department and/or a manager or supervisor. At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we can explain why this is a crucial step in making sure you are protected from retaliation. We can advise you on what steps you should take to protect your rights and address any illegal actions taken by your employer, up to and including wrongful termination.

Reporting and Stopping Sexual Harassment

If you are a victim of sexual harassment from a co-worker, you must report it to your employer as soon as possible. Under Illinois law, if you do not file a report with your employer, that employer will not be liable for failing to protect you from the harassment. If your employer is unaware of the entire situation, he or she will be unable to effectively address the sexual harassment. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you follow your company's sexual harassment policy and report any harassment you experience from co-workers. It is also important to report sexual harassment that you have witnessed, even if you were not personally affected, because this will help prevent future harassment from occurring.

Another point to note is that for your employer to be able to assist you, they will need to investigate the allegations. Unfortunately, that means what you tell your employer about the harassment cannot be kept a complete secret. However, because you did go through the proper procedures and report the harassment, you will be fully protected under Illinois law from any form of retaliation for submitting a complaint. If you are unsure about what information you should provide to your employer or what steps you should take to protect your rights, our lawyers can advise you on how to proceed in these situations.

If your employer does not respond correctly to reports of sexual harassment, you may need to take legal action to protect your rights and address issues that have affected your career, your safety, or your emotional health. If your employer chose to fire or penalize you after you reported sexual harassment, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit alleging employment discrimination or wrongful termination. Our attorneys can provide you with representation in these situations, helping you recover compensation for your financial losses or emotional trauma or ensuring that you will be reinstated to your former position.

Contact Our DuPage County Sexual Harassment Lawyers

At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we understand that you are going through an emotional time as you respond to sexual harassment. You can trust that we have helped many victims of sexual harassment, and we can provide you with the best representation, ensuring that your rights and interests will be protected. If you have any questions about filing a sexual harassment lawsuit or claim, please contact us at 630-665-7300 to schedule your consultation. We serve clients in Glen Ellyn, Oak Brook, DuPage County, and throughout Illinois.