How can Indiana sexual harassment lawyers help you escape the nightmare

Sexual harassment can turn your life into a complete nightmare. When you know someone will again try to grab your behind or make lewd comments, you need to muster all your energy just to walk into that building. Sadly, many victims put up with it every single day, instead of doing the smart thing and talking to a lawyer. Prosecuting sexual harassment cases in Indiana may be more difficult than in other states, but it is doable. 

The Indiana Civil Rights Law prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on sex, and this includes sexual harassment. The problem with this law is that it only applies to an employer, public or private, with at least six employees. Small businesses with less employees do not fall under this law, which leaves a large number of employees statewide in a vulnerable position. However, even those can have their complaints heard. No matter what kind of business you work for, Indiana sexual harassment lawyers can guide you through the process of filing a complaint with the relevant state authority and also launch a civil lawsuit. 

There are two main types of sexual harassment in the workplace. The first type refers to quid pro quo cases, when a supervisor or any other person in a position of authority requires sexual favors from you. These are the most dreadful cases as the victim can feel the harasser’s eyes on her at all times and understands the implicit threat. If you won’t have sex with me, I can have you fired whenever I feel like. Some individuals try to wear their intended victim off by assigning her the hardest tasks and making unreasonable demands. There’s only so much anyone can take. Some give in, while many others just quit their job, which can deal a severe blow to their family’s financial situation. 

Sexual harassment lawyers advise their clients to stand their ground and fight back. Even if you had no other choice but to quit your job you can still file a complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and ask for damages. You can recover your lost wages and, in some cases, punitive damages.

The other type of sexual harassment in the workplace refers to a hostile environment created by abusive coworkers. If one or more of your workmates regularly make crude sexual jokes when you’re around and comment on your looks, that is a clear example of hostile environment. When you talk to seasoned employment lawyers they will advise you to lodge a complaint with your employer. They are required by law to investigate your complaint and take adequate steps to put an end to any form of sexual harassment. Many victims are reluctant to make a complaint fearing retaliation. One thing you should known is that the law protects you from retaliation when you make a complaint of sexual harassment on your behalf or when you witness someone else subjected tot this type of abuse. 

If nothing changes following your complaint, a good attorney will help you take your grievances to state authorities, which will try to mediate between you and your employer. A skilled attorney can help you win just compensation during this mediation process, so you won’t have to go to court.