Columbia, Maryland Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Attorneys for Sexual Harassment Cases in Columbia, MD

While people have become more and more aware of the issue of sexual harassment in recent decades, employees in many different industries continue to be affected by harassment from coworkers, supervisors, or customers. Employees who experience sexual harassment may suffer emotional distress and other forms of harm, and they may also need to deal with retaliation or wrongful termination after reporting these issues to their employers. If you have experienced sexual harassment, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what steps you should take. At Freedman Law, LLC, our experienced employment law attorneys can provide you with the legal help and representation needed to protect your rights and ensure that you will be able to work in a harassment-free environment.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of employment discrimination. It may include a variety of unwelcome behaviors of a sexual nature, such as inappropriate comments, unwelcome advances, and requests for sexual favors. Sexual harassment generally takes two primary forms:

• Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a person in a position of power, such as a supervisor or manager, offers job benefits (like promotions or salary increases) in exchange for sexual favors or threatens adverse employment actions (like demotion or termination) if a person does not agree to their demands. This type of harassment creates an inherently coercive environment, and an employee may feel pressured to comply to avoid negative consequences.
• Hostile work environment sexual harassment involves conduct that is so severe or pervasive that it creates an offensive, intimidating, or uncomfortable atmosphere in the workplace. This may include inappropriate jokes, derogatory comments, unwanted touching, or other words or actions that make it difficult for an employee to perform their job duties.

Employers' Responsibilities in Preventing Sexual Harassment

Employers have a legal and ethical obligation to maintain a workplace free from sexual harassment. This responsibility includes implementing proactive measures to prevent harassment and responding appropriately when incidents do occur. Some steps that employers should take include:

• Creating and enforcing a clear sexual harassment policy: This policy should define what constitutes sexual harassment, outline procedures for reporting incidents, and describe the consequences that will apply for those found to have engaged in harassment.
• Providing regular training: Employers should offer training sessions to educate employees and management on identifying, preventing, and addressing sexual harassment. This training can help foster a culture of respect and accountability within the organization.
• Establishing reporting mechanisms: Employers must ensure that employees have access to confidential and secure methods for reporting sexual harassment. These procedures should allow employees to report incidents without fear of retaliation.
• Conducting thorough investigations: When a complaint is filed, employers should promptly investigate the matter and take appropriate action based on the findings. This may involve disciplinary measures, changes in workplace procedures, or other steps to prevent further harassment.
• Taking corrective action: Employers must address any instances of harassment that have occurred, providing remedies to the affected employee and implementing changes to prevent future incidents.

Steps Employees Can Take to Address Sexual Harassment

If you have experienced workplace sexual harassment, it is important to take action to protect your rights and well-being. Here are some steps you can consider:

• Maintain documentation: It is a good idea to keep detailed notes related to incidents of sexual harassment, including the dates and times that harassment occurred, the locations of incidents, and any witnesses who were present. Documentation can corroborate claims made when filing sexual harassment complaints, and it can play an important role in legal proceedings.
• Report the harassment: Follow your employer's procedures for reporting the harassment you have experienced. Make sure to save any documentation or communications related to the report and any subsequent investigations. If your workplace does not have a policy in place, or if you feel uncomfortable reporting internally, you may also take steps to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
• Seek legal advice: An experienced attorney can provide guidance on your legal options, including filing an EEOC claim or a lawsuit. At Freedman Law, LLC, we can help you navigate these legal procedures while ensuring that your rights are protected. If you have experienced issues that have affected your career, such as a wrongful termination after reporting sexual harassment, we can help you seek appropriate remedies, which may include restoration to your former position and compensation for the income you have lost and the emotional trauma you have experienced.

Helping Employers Address Sexual Harassment

At Freedman Law, LLC, we understand that employers want to create a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. Our attorneys can provide legal counsel to employers who need to respond to sexual harassment claims, ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly and that appropriate actions are taken to address any issues. We can provide representation when addressing EEOC claims or lawsuits, working with employers to resolve these issues successfully.

Contact Our Columbia, MD Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Immediate and decisive action should be taken in response to sexual harassment. Whether you are an employee who has experienced harassment or an employer who has received complaints, Freedman Law, LLC can provide the legal assistance you need. With our extensive experience in employment law, we can help you navigate these challenging situations and achieve a resolution that protects your rights and fosters a safe work environment.

With offices in Columbia, Maryland; Rockville, Maryland; and McLean, Virginia, our firm is well-positioned to serve employees and businesses throughout these regions. For legal guidance on the best ways to address sexual harassment issues, contact us at 410-290-6232.