Compassionate Representation For Victims Of Sexual Harassment
No one should ever have to endure sexual harassment. If it happens in the workplace, a victim may feel like they cannot do anything about it without risking their current job or future career prospects. Harassment victims need to know that they have rights and that an experienced employment law attorney can protect them.
My name is Rod Bridgers of the Law Office of Rod Bridgers, LLLC, and I am an employment law attorney dedicated to helping the Hawaii community. I pride myself on being the lawyer Hawaii comes to for help. With more than 40 years of experience, I am ready to address your sexual harassment claims and help you seek justice.
Justice After Any Form Of Harassment
Sexual harassment can occur in many forms, even without any physical interaction. Examples of sexual harassment include:
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for workplace benefits (quid pro quo)
- Unwanted remarks about your person or appearance
- Offensive/inappropriate remarks about your gender (gender discrimination)
- Inappropriate emails or messages
- Offensive jokes (hostile work environment)
- Unwanted touching or sexual advances
- Posting pornography or sexually explicit imagery
- Repeated requests for a date or sexual favors
Even if employees are no longer working face-to-face in an office environment, sexual harassment can still occur virtually through online meetings, emails or webchats.
If you suspect that someone has sexually harassed you, consult an attorney right away. The guidance that an experienced attorney can provide can help you settle your legal matter quickly and efficiently. While it is usually preferable to resolve workplace issues through negotiations, I am more than prepared to defend my clients with my comprehensive litigation skills.
What Should You Do If You Are Being Sexually Harassed At Work?
If you are experiencing sexual harassment at work in Hawaii, it’s important to understand that you have rights and there are steps you can take to address this serious issue. Below, I have provided a basic plan of action for responding to workplace sexual harassment:
- Recognize the signs of harassment: Sexual harassment includes physical conduct like unwelcome touching, inappropriate comments, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical behaviors of a sexual nature that interfere with your work performance or create a hostile environment.
- Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, places, what was said or done, and any witnesses who were present. You’ll need a clear timeline of events, and this documentation can be crucial in supporting your case should you decide to take legal action.
- Report the harassment: Inform your employer about the harassment. This can be done by reporting the incident to a supervisor, human resources representative, or any designated individual within your company who handles such complaints. It’s important to follow the procedures outlined in your employee handbook, if available.
- File a formal complaint: If the issue is not resolved internally or if you feel uncomfortable addressing it directly with your employer, you can file a formal complaint. In Hawaii, you can file a complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These organizations investigate complaints of workplace harassment.
- Seek legal guidance: Consider consulting with an experienced employment law attorney like me. I can provide you with guidance specific to your situation, guide you through the legal process and work to protect your rights.
Remember, no one should have to endure sexual harassment in the workplace. Taking action not only helps protect your own rights but also contributes to a safer and more respectful work environment for everyone.
How Long Do You Have To File A Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim?
If you submit an official complaint to a party other than your employer, chances are good that you will report it to the HCRC. You must submit your claim within 180 days of the alleged harm you suffered. This timeline can extend to 300 days if the complaint is also covered under federal law by the EEOC.
If the harassment has been continuous, the clock typically starts from the most recent date of harassment, not necessarily when the harassment began. Nonetheless, please don’t wait too long to report, as delays could risk allowing the statute of limitations to expire.
Do Not Ignore Your Harassment – Contact My Firm Instead
You may think that ignoring what happened is the best thing to do, but without any action on your part, harassment can continue. Even if you take your case to your company’s human resources department, that doesn’t guarantee justice will be served. Let me help you make it clear that sexual harassment is not tolerated in your workplace.
If you are ready to schedule your initial consultation, contact me today. You can call 808-796-5650 or email me here to take the first step in holding harassers accountable for their actions.