How Sexual Harassment Lawsuits Work In Nebraska

The vast majority of people who fall victim to sexual harassment don’t report what they’ve been through to authorities. Usually, victims are afraid of losing their jobs, causing drama, or embarrassment. In other cases, they simply don’t even understand that what they’ve been through is actually illegal. 

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), 95% of all incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace never get reported. However, with a growing awareness of individual rights at both the federal and state level, more people are willing to speak up each year. 

If you were sexually harassed in your workplace in Nebraska, you may be entitled to compensation. Connect with an experienced Nebraska sexual harassment lawyer today, and see what your legal options are. Even if you’re not sure whether or not you have a case, a seasoned lawyer can explain your options and guide you forward to the next step.

What are the laws on sexual harassment? 

Everyone in the country is protected by Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits sexual harassment in all private and public companies with 15 or more employees. Under the Act, sexual harassment is considered a form of gender-based discrimination. 

On top of that law, Nebraska has the Nebraska Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA). FEPA  prohibits employers from “harassing or discriminating against any individual on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions (NE Rev. Stat. Sec. 48-1101 et seq.). The FEPA applies to all public employers and private employers with 15 or more employees.” 

Usually, you can divide all incidents of sexual harassment into two different categories. These are: 

• Quid pro quo: This is when someone in a company or organization tries to pressure someone with a lower ranking than them into sex or sexual favors in exchange for a job benefit like a pay raise or promotion. For example, an office manager bribing an intern with a bonus if they perform sexual favors. 
• Hostile work environment: This scenario is when someone is victim to some sort of misconduct that puts them in a “hostile work environment.” This might be unwanted touching, sexual advances, stalking, spying, rude or lewd comments, or many other types of situations. 

How do I begin the legal process? 

Anyone wishing to file a sexual harassment lawsuit must first file a claim with the EEOC within 300 days of the last incident. You may be asked to participate in an investigation. Even though you have 300 days, it’s better to file immediately to give your case greater credibility. Have a lawyer on your side helps a lot with this process. 

Were you sexually harassed in the workplace in Nebraska? 

From Omaha to Woodlawn, qualified attorneys are all over the state waiting to help you get the compensation you deserve. Get in touch today.