Over the last few decades, women have entered the workforce in massive numbers. This laudable social change has given these women a measure of economic independence that is unparalleled in the country’s history.

However, women are still too often the subject of harassment and degradation in the workplace. At The Cochran Firm, our employment lawyers have long fought for the innocent victims of sexual harassment, whatever their gender.

Sexual harassment is legally considered a form of sex discrimination. Sex discrimination violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It wasn't until the late 1980s that the Supreme Court extended the definition of sex discrimination to include sexual harassment in the workplace. After the ruling, it became unlawful to harass a person, an applicant, or an employee because of their sex.

You have a right to a sexual harassment-free workplace. You have a right to be judged by the quality of your work and your character. That was Johnnie Cochran’s philosophy, and it is still the guiding belief of his firm.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment and need an experienced employment lawyer, please call The Cochran Firm today at 1-800-The-Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment can take many forms, some of which are quite subtle. This gives firms room to claim that they aren’t guilty of sexual harassment even when the actions of certain employees or executives have made others’ lives miserable.

Some commonly seen forms of sexual harassment include:

  • Quid pro quo harassment; superior offering promotions, raises, or other work considerations in exchange for sexual favors. It sometimes takes the form of sexual extortion, where a superior blackmails an employee with threats to his or her job.
  • Hostile work environments, where the issue is not a specific act or moment but instead a larger organizational culture.

Examples of sexual harassment can present in unwanted sexual comments, inappropriate jokes, and retaliation when you report what is happening. Hostile work environment cases are often complicated, as organizations will attempt to argue that their culture is “raucous” or “free-wheeling” instead of hostile. Fortunately, The Cochran Firm’s employment lawyers know that lewd behavior or unwanted sexual advances, even when not coupled with threats or inducements, are unacceptable.

Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of gender. The roles of victim and harasser are not gender specific. The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, co-worker, client, or customer. Harassment does not have to be direct; the victim can be an employee who is indirectly yet negatively affected by the offensive conduct.

Pursuing Justice

You don’t have to grit your teeth and deal with sexual harassment. It is a violation of state and federal law, and The Cochran Firm can help if you’ve been victimized. When filing a sexual harassment claim, you can protect your rights by documenting the incident, reporting it internally, and filing a charge with legal representation.

While the legal avenues available to you will be determined by the laws of your state and local community, the courts can usually help a sexual harassment victim by:

  • Providing compensation for economic harm (such as lost wages)
  • Providing compensation for emotional pain and suffering
  • Ordering the employee re-instated to his or her position, if it’s determined that the job was lost as a result of sexual harassment

The Cochran Firm’s lawyers will carefully explain your options and help you understand what compensation is available to you.

If you need an experienced employment lawyer, please contact The Cochran Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a violation of which right?

Sexual harassment violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is a form of sex discrimination involving unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. If you experience sexual harassment at work, contact The Cochran Firm for support.

Who can be a perpetrator of sexual harassment in the workplace?

Anyone can commit sexual harassment, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, or professional status. The harasser may be a supervisor, co-worker, professor, administrator, or third party.

How much is a work harassment lawsuit worth?

The value of a workplace sexual harassment lawsuit depends on the circumstances, severity, and damages involved. Trial verdicts can reach millions, depending on the evidence and employer liability. If you are considering a claim, contact an experienced employment lawyer at The Cochran Firm to discuss your case.

How can I prove I am being targeted at work?

To prove workplace harassment, gather clear evidence showing the unwelcome conduct was based on a protected characteristic and created a hostile environment. Document each incident carefully, noting dates, locations, and details.

Report harassment to your employer in accordance with your company's procedures, typically by notifying Human Resources or a supervisor. If your employer does not act, this documentation will be important when pursuing a lawsuit.