Alpharetta Sexual Harassment Attorney Protects Workers’ Legal Rights
Georgia lawyer fights gender-based discrimination against employees
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination prohibited by federal law. An employee has the right to work in an environment free from harassment based on gender, whether by supervisors, co-workers, or others. The Reddy Law Firm, P.C. in Alpharetta represents Georgia employees whose rights have been violated, helping them obtain the compensation and other remedies they are entitled to.
What Is sexual harassment in the workplace?
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature directed at an employee. There are two main ways this can occur:
- Quid pro quo harassment — This means demanding sexual favors from an employee as a condition of receiving a benefit, such as a raise or promotion, or avoiding a negative job action, such as a firing, demotion or poor performance report.
- Hostile work environment — This is conduct or speech of a sexual nature that is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would find the working conditions intolerable. Employers are responsible for preventing such behavior and taking corrective action if it occurs.
Sexual harassment may be perpetrated not only by supervisors but by co-workers, clients, customers, vendors, independent contractors and others. It can occur regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the harasser or of the victim.
Examples of sexual harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace can take a multitude of forms, such as:
- Unwanted sexual advances —Persistent flirting, touching or requesting dates
- Physical harassment — Unwelcome touching, groping or sexual gestures
- Sexually explicit comments or jokes — Making remarks about an employee’s body, appearance or sexual activity
- Verbal harassment —Making crude or suggestive statements, spreading sexual rumors or making derogatory comments about an employee’s gender or sexuality
- Displaying offensive material — Sharing pornography, sexually suggestive images or other inappropriate material in the workplace
- Retaliation — Punishing an employee who refuses sexual advances, such as with poor performance reviews, demotions or onerous work assignments
We will review your situation to determine if you are, in fact, the victim of sexual harassment and seek all legal remedies under federal employment law.
What legal protections are available?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects workers from sexual harassment at private employers with at least 15 employees, government agencies, employment agencies and labor unions. The law requires employers to investigate and stop any instances of sexual harassment and protects employees from retaliation for reporting it.
What should you do if you are a victim of sexual harassment?
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and to enforce your rights. You should document each incident with dates and details and report them through internal company channels. Contact an attorney at our firm as soon as possible. We can help you pursue your legal options, such as filing a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and guide you through the process. Rely on us for the advice and representation you need to protect your rights.
Contact an experienced Georgia sexual harassment laws attorney
At the Reddy Law Firm, P.C., in Alpharetta we fight for the rights of Georgia employees facing sexual harassment in the workplace. To schedule a consultation, call us at 678-629-3246 or contact us online.