Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Somerville, MA
You have the right to a workplace free of sexual harassment. Unfortunately, it still happens. If you’re experiencing sexual harassment, you don’t have to navigate the process of pursuing legal action alone. Our experienced Somerville, MA, sexual harassment lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm are here to help.
Our team has helped many Massachusetts residents navigate the intricacies of their cases and can help you do the same. We understand how distressing and difficult these situations can be for the victim and strive to streamline the process by shouldering the complexities of the legal process. If you need help pursuing legal action for sexual harassment, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment?
Multiple types of sexual conduct qualify as sexual harassment. Under Massachusetts law, sexual harassment includes any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and similar verbal or physical sexual conduct. It applies to scenarios when such conduct becomes the basis for employment decisions or functions to unreasonably interfere with the victim’s work by creating a hostile work environment.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
While sexual harassment is often thought to be physical, that isn’t always the case. It can be physical, but it can also be verbal or non-verbal. Examples of sexual harassment include:
- Unwanted touching, such as kissing, hugging, or groping
- Indecent exposure
- Sharing sexually explicit photos or videos
- Name-calling
- Offensive remarks
- Sexually charged jokes
- Inappropriate comments about someone’s appearance
- Requests for sexual favors
- Staring or leering
- Using sexually explicit language
- Sexually suggestive gestures
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Sexual Harassment
If you’re experiencing sexual harassment, it’s crucial to take action to protect yourself and uphold your rights. Document the behavior, report it, and chat with a knowledgeable Somerville sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible.
Document the Behavior
If possible, document the behavior. At a minimum, keep detailed records of each incident. Take note of the date, time, and location of the incident. Include a description of what happened and write down the names of anyone present to see the incident.
This information is crucial when pursuing legal action, so it’s important to write it all down when it’s fresh in your memory.
Report the Harassment
If you’re experiencing sexual harassment at work, report it. Employers should have a specific sexual harassment policy in place that details what steps to take if you’re experiencing that type of behavior. Generally, the steps include reporting the behavior to a supervisor or the human resources (HR) department.
In addition to reporting the harassment internally, you can also report it to applicable state and federal agencies. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) accept and investigate reports of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Somerville Sexual Harassment Lawyer
When dealing with sexual harassment at work, it’s a good idea to chat with a knowledgeable Somerville sexual harassment lawyer. Your lawyer can offer input regarding your legal rights and options, ensuring you have the information you need to take proper steps to report the behavior and pursue legal action.
In the event that your employer retaliates against you for reporting the behavior, such as by demoting, firing, or mistreating you, your lawyer can help you take legal action. Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal, so if you experience it after reporting a claim, you may have grounds for an additional legal claim.
How a Somerville Sexual Harassment Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
Dealing with sexual harassment is difficult, especially if you’re unsure what steps to take or what your legal options are. At the Fogelman Law Firm, we can help you determine your legal options and advocate for your rights.
We’ll guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are upheld and fighting to secure a favorable outcome. We will:
- Analyze your case to help you determine your legal options
- Collect pertinent evidence to support your case, such as security footage, emails, text messages, HR reports, and witness statements
- File complaints with appropriate government agencies, such as the MCAD and EEOC
- Help you understand potential outcomes and possible courses of action
- Represent you in negotiations with the other party or their legal representation
- Advocate for your rights and interests in court or other legal proceedings if necessary
Consult With Our Skilled Sexual Harassment Lawyers for Help With Your Case
You shouldn’t have to tolerate sexual harassment. If you’re being sexually harassed in a protected setting, our experienced team at the Fogelman Law Firm is here to help. We can help you determine your legal options, advocate for your rights, and protect against retaliation from your employer. Contact us today at (617) 559-1530 or complete our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Harassment Case?
The amount of time you have to file a sexual harassment complaint varies based on the agency you’re filing with. If you file your complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), you have 300 days after the alleged incident. Conversely, if you’re filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), you may have 180 days after the incident to file your claim, although that deadline is extended to 300 days if you are pursuing state law claims. It’s essential to act quickly because if you don’t file your claim within these deadlines, you might forfeit your ability to pursue legal action.
How Do I Know If I Have a Sexual Harassment Case?
If you believe you’ve experienced sexual harassment but aren’t sure if it qualifies for legal action, contact a skilled sexual harassment lawyer near you. You have the right to a harassment-free workplace, so if you suspect you’re experiencing sexual misconduct, it’s important to take action. Your lawyer will evaluate your situation to help you determine your legal options and the next steps.
What Evidence Will I Need in My Sexual Harassment Case?
Every sexual harassment case is different, so the evidence you have may vary. Examples of evidence in these cases include communication, such as texts or emails, witness testimonies, and HR reports. It can even include gifts, notes, or similar items that attest to the harassment.
