Sexual harassment in the workplace may be as straightforward as an improper touch on the part of a supervisor or coworker. It might be more difficult to define, when an employee daily faces behaviors that result in a hostile work environment. In either case, it is a traumatic experience, and a victim typically suffers serious emotional distress. Attorneys at Schaefer Law Firm have successfully recovered compensation for clients through individual and class action sexual harassment lawsuits.
Sexual harassment violates the Civil Rights Act
Sexual harassment is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. More than 40 years have gone by since the Act was passed, yet men and women continue to suffer, on a regular basis, from sexual harassment in all types of workplaces. Under Minnesota and federal law, two types of sexual harassment are recognized:
Quid pro quo harassment, where the individual's submission to sexual advances or to conduct of a sexual nature is used as the basis for an employment decision such as hiring, promotion or pay. If an employee has submitted to such an advance, the employee still can file a claim against the employer.
Hostile work environment sexual harassment, where unwelcome sexual behavior on the part of an employer, supervisor, coworker, customer or client creates a hostile, intimidating work environment. A hostile work environment may be created by repeated sexual advances, demeaning sexual inquiries or vulgarities, offensive sexual language or behavior, the display of sexually offensive, explicit or sexist images, cartoons, calendars, literature, photos or graffiti.
Are you a victim of sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment affects men and women in a variety of professions, ranging from college professors to grocery store clerks. Victims include both those personally harassed and anyone else in the workplace affected by the offensive conduct. If you have received, or have been distressed by, any unwelcome sexual conduct in your workplace, and your employer knew or should have known of the harassment and failed to take appropriate action, you may be entitled to a claim for economic loss and emotional distress.
Our success in pursuing sexual harassment claims on behalf of our clients is documented in our Results for Our Clients. If you would like to discuss your situation with one of our attorneys, please contact our Employment law firm in Minneapolis to arrange a free case evaluation. We will explain your legal position and help you make a well-informed decision about how to proceed.
Employment law frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Attorney referrals and legal affiliations
Our attorneys welcome the opportunity to affiliate with other lawyers in sexual harassment and other areas of employment law, and have done so on numerous occasions, working with class action and individual rights lawyers nationwide. We also welcome referrals. If you are unsure about the class action potential and strategy for prosecution on a case, please feel free to contact our Minneapolis office and discuss the matter.
