Let Delaware sexual harassment lawyers help you fight an abusive employer

There are, still, many people, especially women, who dread going to work in the morning knowing they’re in for another day of crude jokes and lewd comments from their coworkers and/or managers. Some are forced to quit when they cannot put up with this kind of treatment anymore. Unfortunately, this is not a solution to the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace. Someone else will take your place and suffer the same treatment, and you have no guarantee things will be any better at your new job. The solution is to get yourself a lawyer specializing in sexual harassment, and fight against those who discriminated you based on your sex or sexual orientation.

Employees living and working in the state of Delaware are protected against sexual harassment under the Delaware Discrimination in Employment Act (DDEA), as well as under federal laws. Though your rights are theoretically guaranteed, in real life there are still many companies where sexual harassment remains pervasive and business owners turn a blind eye.

When you get in touch with skilled Delaware sexual harassment lawyers, they can guide you through the legal process and advise you on who you need to complain to. Taking your employer to court straight away is not advisable.

According to the law, employers in Delaware must provide training to their employee, making in clear what constitutes sexual harassment. Calling your girlfriend ‘babe’ is OK if she likes it, but constantly addressing a coworker this way is not. Also, employees are not allowed to make sexual jokes or lewd comments on a female colleague’s physical appearance or clothing style.

At the same type, a business owner needs to make it clear that sexual harassment will not be tolerated. They also must establish an internal complaints and grievances protocol, so that any person feeling harassed knows who they can talk with.

When you talk to experienced employment lawyers, they’ll advise you to formulate such a complaint with your employer. Even if you know nothing is going to happen, you still need to file such a complaint.

The next step is to report your sexual harassment case to the Delaware Department of Labor Office of Anti-Discrimination. This office will investigate your complaint and offer to mediate between you and your employer. At this stage it’s best to have experienced sexual harassment lawyers by your side, as your employer will certainly bring their lawyers to the negotiations.

Can a simple mediation put an end to your suffering? Yes, the Office of Anti-Discrimination can help you in many ways. If you were forced to quit because of the hostile environment, you could be reinstated should you want your job back. Many don’t, fearing they’d be made to feel less than welcome. On the other hand, you can be awarded damages for lost wages and mental suffering. You’ll want to have a good lawyer present if you are to get the kind of damages you deserve.

If an agreement cannot be reached during mediation, your lawyers will help you file a lawsuit against your employer.