Pompano Beach Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Pompano Beach Sexual Harassment Attorney

Experiencing sexual harassment can threaten your career. Though sexual harassment is strictly outlawed, in many workplaces, harassment can lead to unpleasant or unsafe working conditions or impact your position and benefits. If you are being sexually harassed, a Pompano Beach sexual harassment lawyer can explain your options for filing a claim, helping you uphold your workplace rights and personal safety.

At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., knowledge of sexual harassment laws is met with personal attention towards each case. Michelle Cohen Levy is a skilled Pompano Beach employment lawyer who seeks to pursue justice and compensation for victims of sexual harassment. Having her experienced legal representation can help you succeed in your sexual harassment claim.

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Of the women who have experienced sexual assault or harassment, 37% have experienced it at work. The negative impacts of this workplace harassment can extend far beyond any single incident, affecting mental health and career trajectory. Sexual harassment can include a variety of inappropriate and unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct. When filing a sexual harassment claim, you will typically file a quid pro quo claim or a hostile work environment claim, depending on the nature of the harassment.

Quid pro quo sexual harassment is when employment benefits are offered, or negative consequences are threatened, based on whether an employee agrees to submit to sexual harassment. A quid pro quo claim can be used if an employer threatens or makes sexual advances or requires sexual favors in order for you to:

• Receive a raise, bonus, or benefits
• Be promoted or considered for advancement
• Receive a good performance review
• Receive a more favorable schedule or work assignments
• Avoid being fired or demoted

Hostile work environment claims can be filed if another person’s sexual harassment negatively affects your ability to work. Severe or pervasive misconduct that can be resolved through this type of claim can include:

• Unwanted sexual advances, touching, or inappropriate physical contact
• Offensive jokes or derogatory comments about a person’s sex or gender
• Receiving explicit or obscene messages
• Sexual gestures or displaying sexually suggestive or explicit posters or images
• Spreading sexual rumors about an employee

Protections for Pompano Beach Employees

If you are working in Pompano Beach, you are protected by Florida and Federal sexual harassment laws. You also have access to resources in Broward County, such as through the Nancy J. Cotterman Center. Some of the laws that protect employees from sexual harassment are:

• Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII protects against sexual harassment by allowing for hostile work environment and quid pro quo claims. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees and is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In 2024 alone, the EEOC received 8,425 charges for sexual harassment that violated Title VII.
• Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992. The Florida Civil Rights Act provides similar protections to Title VII, applies to most Florida companies with 15 or more employees, and is enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Why Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer

With complex laws and numerous agencies working to prevent sexual harassment, it can be difficult to know which one to use. A sexual harassment lawyer can identify what laws your employer violated, what kind of sexual harassment claim can be filed against them, and which government agencies your case should be filed with. A knowledgeable lawyer makes filing a claim less intimidating by minimizing the confusion and explaining each step of the process.

A lawyer can prepare a comprehensive and compelling claim, improving your ability to receive compensation and hold the offender accountable for their actions. By examining evidence, communicating with the offender’s legal team on your behalf, and advocating for you in court, a lawyer can help you achieve the outcome you need to move forward after being harassed.

FAQs

Can You Receive Compensation for a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim?

Yes, you can receive compensation for a sexual harassment claim. Compensation is directly impacted by the details of your case, but if you hire a sexual harassment lawyer, they can negotiate for increased compensation that covers all the damages you have sustained as a result of the harassment. Some common types of damages are lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, reputational harm, costs of medical treatment like therapy or medication, and legal fees.

What Evidence Do You Need to File a Sexual Harassment Claim?

The evidence used to prove a sexual harassment claim differs by case. Your lawyer can gather evidence that proves sexual harassment occurred and what damages you suffered as a direct result of the harassment. Common types of evidence used in these cases include witness statements, records of communications between you and the offender, records of previous sexual harassment complaints, or medical records.

Are You Protected From Sexual Harassment if the Harasser Was Not a Supervisor?

Yes, you are protected from being harassed by anyone at work, including by customers or clients, co-workers, your supervisor, or a supervisor in another area. In most quid pro quo claims, the claim is filed against a supervisor due to their ability to give, withhold, or revoke specific benefits and positions. Hostile work environment claims can be filed against anyone whose sexual harassment is severe enough to create a poor working environment.

Can You Be Punished for Reporting Sexual Harassment?

No, retaliation for reporting sexual harassment, such as being fired, demoted, or withheld benefits, is illegal. In fact, firing someone for reporting harassment is a clear example of wrongful termination. Whether you filed a complaint internally, spoke to a lawyer about filing a claim, or filed a complaint with the EEOC, you should not be retaliated against. Yet, each year, the EEOC receives almost 2,500 reports from Floridians who have experienced retaliation based on Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act.

Speak With a Pompano Beach Sexual Harassment Attorney Today

Despite legal protections, sexual harassment can still occur. While filing a claim can be overwhelming, working with a Pompano Beach employment lawyer can minimize your anxiety and help you file a claim that addresses this workplace injustice and advocates for compensation. Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., for a free consultation to learn how a skilled lawyer can guide you through your sexual harassment case.