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At Robert A. Klingler Co., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Thorough, honest and compassionate."Throughout the entire trial, their leadership, guidance, support, and positive perspective, helped me continue a well won battle.- P.K., Cincinnati, Ohio
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"A positive experience from beginning to end."The amount of research and time put into my case proved to be the reason we came out successful. I not only gained a lawyer but also a friend and contact forever.- C.D., Atlanta, Georgia
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"Extraordinary service."Litigation should be the last resort when trying to resolve differences, but when it became necessary using this firm provided peace of mind during the entire process.- L.D., Cincinnati, Ohio
Let Us Help You Find a Solution
While we welcome inquiries from any industry or employment setting, many of our clients are professional employees and executives. Teachers, doctors, nurses, attorneys, stockbrokers, flight attendants, and managers in small or large businesses can be harmed by sexual harassment. Whether your case involves the creation of a hostile environment or a promise of a job-related benefit in exchange for sexual favors, we can help you find the proper resolution to your problem.
Common Questions about Sexual Harassment
What should I do if I believe I’m being sexually harassed at work?
If you believe you are being sexually harassed at work, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights and well-being. Here are three key steps you should take:
- Gather Evidence and Document the Behavior: Keep a detailed record of all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and any witnesses. This documentation can be critical if you decide to take further action.
- Report It to a Supervisor or HR: Report the harassment as soon as possible to your supervisor, Human Resources (HR), or another appropriate individual at your workplace. This is often required by company policy, and failure to report could affect your ability to pursue legal action later.
- Contact an Employment Lawyer: Consult with an experienced employment lawyer to understand your rights and legal options. A lawyer can help guide you through the reporting process and advocate for your protection from retaliation.
Can my employer punish me for reporting sexual harassment?
If you are a victim of sexual harassment — or any type of discrimination in the workplace, for that matter — your employer is not allowed to punish you or retaliate against you in any way for reporting such conduct. You have the right to report illegal discrimination in the workplace and to be protected from retaliation for doing so.
How can I protect myself from retaliation?
In addition to knowing that retaliation is illegal, it’s crucial to document every step you take when reporting harassment. Keep records of your reports to HR or supervisors, and note any retaliation or negative changes in your work environment after the report. You should also ensure you are familiar with your company’s anti-retaliation policies, which are often found in employee handbooks.
What are my rights regarding confidentiality when I report sexual harassment?
Your employer is obligated to handle reports of harassment with confidentiality to the extent possible. This means they should only disclose the details of the investigation to those who need to know. However, depending on the nature of the investigation, certain information may be shared with witnesses or those involved in resolving the matter. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you should discuss these concerns with HR or your lawyer.
Read More Questions and Answers about Sexual Harassment
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
If you or a loved one is experiencing sexual harassment at work, it is important to know your rights and also your responsibilities. For example, you generally have an obligation to report any sexual harassment to an appropriate supervisor or Human Resources person. If you simply get tired of the harassment and quit, before you report it to a responsible person at work, you may have given up any right you have to bring a lawsuit or correct the problem.
Review your employee handbook or other literature to find your employer’s policy regarding sexual harassment. They will all say that sexual harassment is not tolerated, etc. etc., and that you must report it immediately. They should tell you who to report to, and also what to do if the harasser happens to be your supervisor.
Taking Action against Sexual Harassment
It goes without saying that you should let the harasser know that his conduct is not welcome. You can do this in whatever way feels right to you–but you have to make it clear that you want the conduct to stop. Laughing or going along with it or being vague about how you feel may not be enough. You don’t have to be angry and offensive about it–although it may be perfectly appropriate to express anger and offense–but you must make it crystal clear to the harasser that you do not like the conduct and that you want it to stop. Otherwise, you leave yourself open to the claim that you “welcomed” the conduct because you went along with it.
Deciding whether or not to report harassment to higher authorities can be a difficult decision. Once you report it, your relationship with the harasser will probably be changed forever, and if it’s someone you need to get along with to do your job, it can be difficult to decide what to do. Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer to talk about your options. You need all of the information you can get before making any difficult decisions.
However, there are two things you should never forget: you should NOT put up with sexually-oriented behavior or comments that make you uncomfortable; and, if the conduct doesn’t stop after you’ve made it clear to the harasser that you want it to stop, you MUST report such conduct to the appropriate management persons at work if you want something done about it.
For more information about sexual harassment, please go to our employee rights and information center.
Contact us today if you have questions about sexual harassment. Workplace sexual harassment is unacceptable and you should speak with an attorney if you are experiencing it call at tel:(513) 650-6270