Finding yourself the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace can affect you personally as well as professionally. It’s a very personal and stressful thing to have to go through and putting it simply, it’s against the law.
When you file a civil lawsuit against your employer and are successful in that claim, there are a number of remedies that may be available for you. This ranges from monetary damages to ordering your employer to change their policies.
Compensatory damages
Being the subject of sexual harassment can cause acute emotional distress and reputational damage. The court can choose to award a payment of compensation to victims that recognizes the pain this causes.
Hiring or reinstatement
If you lost your job for calling out sexual harassment, the court can order your employer to reinstate you.
Back pay or promotion
If you lost out on an opportunity for promotion as a result of standing up against sexual harassment, or if you lost your job completely, the court can award you for the pay you lost as a result. The period taken into account is from the date of the event to the date of the court’s judgment.
Changes in the policies or practices of an employer
The court can order the employer to commit to revising their sexual harassment policies, or even putting some in place if they don’t exist. This is intended to discourage any further similar conduct by employees in the future.
Attorney fees and court costs
When you are successful in your lawsuit, the judge can say that your employer must pay for your attorney fees and court costs. This includes the cost of issuing the claim and paying for any experts.
Punitive damages
Where the conduct of an employer (or an employee of the employer) is particularly bad, the court can also make an award of punitive damages. This is intended as a punishment for the actions.
No one should have to find themselves the victim of sexual harassment. Seeking legal help can make sure your rights are protected.
