Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Boston
Dealing with sexual harassment can be a distressing and challenging experience. Such conduct can quickly create an uncomfortable and hostile environment that can be hard to deal with. If you’re experiencing sexual harassment, it’s important to understand your rights and take the appropriate steps to protect yourself.
Whether you’re facing unwanted advances in the workplace or an uncomfortable environment due to sexual misconduct, it’s crucial to know that you don’t have to face this situation alone. Our experienced Boston sexual harassment lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm are here to help you by advocating for your rights. We’ve helped many Boston residents navigate the complexities of their cases and can help you do the same.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Massachusetts law defines sexual harassment as any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and similar verbal or physical sexual conduct. It covers situations when that conduct becomes a basis for employment decisions or serves the purpose of unreasonably interfering with the victim’s work by creating a hostile work environment.
Common Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment isn’t always physical, although it can be. It can be verbal, non-verbal, and physical. The most common types of sexual harassment include:
- Inappropriate comments about a person’s appearance
- Offensive remarks
- Name-calling
- Jokes of a sexual nature
- Unwanted touching, such as hugging, kissing, patting, or groping
- Sharing sexually explicit photos or videos
- Indecent exposure
- Sexually suggestive gestures
- Requests for sexual favors
- Using sexually explicit language
- Staring or leering
What Should to Do If You’re Experiencing Sexual Harassment
If you’re experiencing sexual harassment, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect yourself and your rights.
First and foremost, document the harassment. Keep detailed records of every incident, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what occurred. If anyone saw the incident, note who they were. This documentation will be vital if you decide to pursue legal action.
If harassment occurs in the workplace, check your employer’s sexual harassment policy. It should detail the steps you can take to report it, such as reporting the behavior to a supervisor or the human resources (HR) department. Follow those steps to report the behavior.
Furthermore, you may also file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for harassment that occurs in the workplace. These agencies can investigate your complaint and may provide a remedy. We recommend contacting a lawyer before you file any such complaint, however.
Remember, you have the right to a safe work environment, and retaliation against you for reporting harassment is illegal. If you face retaliation, such as being demoted, fired, or mistreated after filing a complaint, contact a lawyer as soon as possible, as you may have grounds for an additional legal claim.
After reporting the incident, contact a knowledgeable sexual harassment lawyer. Your lawyer will help you understand your legal options and guide you through the next steps to protect your rights.
Understanding the Role of a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Massachusetts law protects against sexual harassment and discrimination in multiple settings, including employment. If you’re experiencing sexual harassment in a protected setting, a skilled Boston sexual harassment lawyer can help.
We will walk you through every stage of the process. Our primary goal is to advocate for you, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive appropriate compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. We will:
- Evaluate your case to help you determine your legal options
- Gather necessary evidence to support your case, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and communications
- File complaints with appropriate government agencies, such as the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Field settlement negotiations with the at-fault party
- Represent you in Court if you don’t receive a fair settlement offer
- Supply sound legal guidance through every stage to help you make informed decisions
We are your advocates from start to finish. We know how hard these cases can be on the victims and strive to make things as easy as possible by shouldering the burden of the legal process.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Boston Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
If you believe you’ve been sexually harassed, our team at the Fogelman Law Firm can help. Our Boston sexual harassment lawyers have helped countless Boston residents navigate the intricacies of their cases and can help you do the same. Call (617) 559-1530 or complete our online contact form to start with a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Evidence is Necessary to Prove Sexual Harassment?
Multiple types of evidence can help prove sexual harassment, including audio recordings, surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and previous reports of such conduct. Each case is different, so not all types of evidence may be available. Your lawyer will help you gather all pertinent evidence to build a strong case.
How Do I Know If I Have a Sexual Harassment Case?
If you’re unsure whether you have a sexual harassment case, contact a knowledgeable lawyer in your area. You shouldn’t have to tolerate inappropriate behavior, so if you suspect you might have a case, chat with a sexual harassment lawyer. They’ll evaluate your situation to help you determine your legal options and next steps.
What is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an individual is asked to tolerate inappropriate conduct in exchange for something, such as for a promotion at work, to avoid adverse employment actions, or to receive specific workplace benefits. It revolves around a power balance, often occurring between a person in a position of power who wants something from a person who is professionally beneath them.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Harassment Complaint?
You have 300 days after the alleged act of discrimination to file a sexual harassment claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). If you’re filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), you have 180 days after the alleged act to file. If you don’t file your complaint within these timeframes, you may lose your ability to pursue action against the at-fault party. After you file with the MCAD, you can then either leave your case at the MCAD or you can remove it and file in Court.
