Sexual Harassment

Employment Lawyers Advocating for Traverse City and Grand Rapids Workers

If you have been subjected to unwanted sexual or romantic advances or inappropriately charged comments in your workplace you may feel embarrassed, offended, and upset. Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination that is prohibited under federal and state laws. You have a right to work in a job that is free from sexual harassment. The Grand Rapids and Traverse City sexual harassment attorneys at Neumann Law Group can evaluate the circumstances and explain your legal options. By pursuing a claim for damages with the assistance of an employment lawyer, workers may achieve a sense of justice and be able to move on with their lives.

Taking Action After Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual or romantic advances, demands for sexual favors, and other sexually charged actions or words. Whether you are sexually assaulted on the job or your employer conditions your employment on performing a sexual favor, sexual harassment may be very embarrassing and upsetting. You should make it clear to the person harassing you that sexual conduct or language is unwelcome. You may be entitled to file a lawsuit under federal or state law.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits sexual harassment as a form of gender discrimination. It only applies to employers with 15 or more employees. If you are sexually harassed and wish to file a federal lawsuit, you must first file a charge with the agency that enforces Title VII, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC may ask you to participate in mediation with your employer or conduct an investigation. If it does not wish to pursue your claim, you will be issued a Notice of Right to Sue. Our sexual harassment lawyers then can guide Traverse City or Grand Rapids residents through the litigation in Federal court.

Federal civil rights litigation can be challenging to pursue for several reasons, and having a competent and experienced attorney by your side will give you confidence that justice will be served. Neumann Law Group’s federal civil rights lawyers understand many of the intricacies of practicing in federal court, including:

Complex Legal Procedures: Federal civil rights cases often involve intricate legal procedures and rules. Navigating the federal court system requires a clear understanding of the rules of civil procedure, evidence, and other legal nuances. Individuals without legal training may find it challenging to handle the complexities of the litigation process.

High Legal Standards: Federal civil rights cases typically require a high burden of proof. Plaintiffs must demonstrate a violation of constitutional or federally protected rights, and establishing this can be difficult. The legal standards for proving discrimination or violations of civil rights are often rigorous.

Immunity Protections: Government officials and entities may be entitled to various forms of immunity, which can shield them from certain types of lawsuits. Qualified immunity, for example, protects government officials from personal liability unless their conduct violates clearly established constitutional rights.

Resource Intensity: Federal civil rights cases can be resource-intensive. They may require substantial time, effort, and financial resources. For individuals without access to legal representation or financial means, pursuing such cases can be particularly challenging.

Lengthy Legal Process: Federal civil rights litigation can be a lengthy process. Cases may take years to resolve, leading to emotional and financial strain on the individuals involved. The extended duration of litigation can be a deterrent for those seeking justice.

Subject to Dismissal: Federal courts may dismiss cases if they do not meet specific legal requirements or if the plaintiff fails to follow procedural rules. This adds an additional layer of difficulty for individuals pursuing civil rights claims without legal representation.

If a federal sexual harassment case is not feasible, Michigan laws also may provide victims an avenue for relief, and our lawyers can help. The Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits employers in the state from discriminating on the basis of sex. As with federal law, this includes sexual harassment. Moreover, all employers in Michigan, regardless of their size, are covered by ELCRA. The law applies to both employers and their agents. In Michigan, same-sex harassment or harassment of a man by a woman is also a violation of the law. The Neumann Law Group is experienced in representing clients with both state and federal civil rights and sexual harassment claims.

Both federal and state laws prohibit employer retaliation against employees who complain about sexual harassment. Retaliation may include any adverse actions that are taken against an employee who reported an unlawful employment practice, such as sexual harassment, or filed a charge or lawsuit. Retaliation may also include adverse actions taken against employees who serve as witnesses for other employees’ sexual harassment lawsuits. The critical issue under federal law is whether the allegedly retaliatory act would cause a reasonable person in the same situation to be deterred from pursuing a legal remedy.

Seek Guidance from a Sexual Harassment Attorney in Grand Rapids or Traverse City

You have a right to file a lawsuit for damages if you have been subjected to sexual harassment on the job. Damages may include back pay, front pay, and emotional distress. Our Traverse City and Grand Rapids sexual harassment lawyers are ready to assist you. We also represent people in Ann Arbor, Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Detroit, Wyoming, Saginaw, Muskegon, Midland, Holland, Warren, and Petoskey, as well as areas throughout the Upper Peninsula. Contact Neumann Law Group at 800-525-NEUMANN or via our online form to set up a free appointment. We also can represent people who need an age or race discrimination attorney.