Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is illegal. And, sadly, it is extremely common in the workplace.

As a Nashville sexual harassment lawyer, I have represented many victims of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is usually a very difficult issue to discuss, as people are sometimes afraid to come forward and address what has happened to or is happening to them. Please know that you are not alone and that you should never feel ashamed to stand up for yourself or your co-workers. It is often discovered that it is not only one person who is being harassed, but a number of people in the same company.

In addition to basing employment decisions on sexual favors (quid pro quo), sexual harassment can also include:

• Sexual assault (including rape),
• Making sexual comments,
• Sexually explicit emails, pornography, love letters, or phone calls,
• Stalking,
• Solicitation for sex, with or without promises of money or advancement,
• Threats premised on having or not having sex,
• Inappropriate physical contact,
• Unwelcome sexual advances,
• Lewd behavior or exposure, and
• A hostile work environment.

Sexual harassment law is very broad. Sexual harassment can come from a manager, a supervisor or a co-worker. It can also happen between people of the same or opposite sex.

If you are being sexually harassed in the workplace it is usually best that you not simply quit your job. To be clear, if you are in actual or immediate physical danger you should absolutely be safe as soon as possible and not return to work. Unfortunately, quitting your job and then contacting a lawyer after the fact usually makes a case extremely difficult. It also places people in extremely difficult positions financially. Thus, it is best to contact me before you quit. Talk with me about what has happened and let me provide you with your options.

If you know of someone who is being sexually harassed, please speak up. If possible, the best way to do this is in writing. Know that an employer may not retaliate against an employee for opposing sexual harassment. It does not matter whether the whistleblower is the victim or another employee. An employer may not retaliate against an employee for making sexual harassment knows, filing a charge of discrimination or testifying in a lawsuit, proceeding, or investigation.

Certain requirements must be met before an employee can sue for sexual harassment. These requirements may include making a complaint of harassment as provided by a company policy. If you are suffering from sexual harassment, you should contact me immediately. Let an experienced sexual harassment attorney handle your case.

No one deserves to be sexually harassed and those who do the harassing should not be allowed to get away with it. If you trust me with your sexual harassment matter, I will handle your case personally and with extreme care. I will be sensitive to your needs, which often include confidentiality. I will listen and give you the sensitivity, dedication and personal attention that you deserve.

You should never feel uncomfortable in your workplace. If you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact the Bigelow firm immediately. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with Robb Bigelow to see what an experienced Tennessee and Nashville.