What if Sexual Abuse Occurred at My Workplace?

Sexual abuse is serious no matter where it happens, but sexual abuse in the workplace adds additional complications. If your employer was negligent in their duty to protect you from harm on the job, you may have an opportunity to sue them as well as your abuser for damages.

Morelli Law has helped many victims of workplace sexual abuse get compensation for their experience. The money from a lawsuit can pay for your medical bills, therapy, and more. Plus, you’ll be able to get a measure of justice against your abuser.

If you’re wondering what to do if sexual abuse occurs at your workplace, contact Morelli Law for a free consultation with our New York sexual abuse lawyers.

What Should My First Steps Be?

If you are a victim of sexual abuse in your workplace, your immediate priority should be your safety and well-being. Consider these steps:

• Seek Safety and Medical Attention: Move to a safe environment and seek medical attention. Seeing a doctor will help you with any injuries and they can also secure crucial evidence of your abuse.
• Contact the Police: Sexual abuse is a crime. You should report to the authorities after so they can make a report and file charges. The state’s investigation can help your civil case.
• Document the Incident: Write down everything about the incident(s), including dates, times, locations, and details about any communications and witnesses. This documentation can be crucial in a legal proceeding.
• Report the Incident: Report the abuse to your employer according to your company’s internal policies, typically through human resources or a designated compliance officer. If the perpetrator is involved in your reporting chain, consider using any alternative reporting mechanisms your workplace might have.

How Do I Pursue a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse in the Workplace?

Filing a civil lawsuit allows you to seek damages for the harm you’ve suffered due to workplace sexual abuse. You can get financial compensation if you win your case. To start, you will need the help of a sexual abuse attorney, preferably one with experience in employment law.

The attorney will take your story and evidence and tell you if you have a strong case. If you do, they can begin legal proceedings against your abuser. Your employer may also be sued if their negligence contributed to your abuse.

You can claim damages through a lawsuit like:

• Medical expenses, including counseling and mental health costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages (in some cases)

There are also job-related damages that could harm you because the abuse happened in the workplace. These include reputational harm, relocation costs, job impacts, and more. Your lawyer will add up the value of these to find a fair value for compensation.

Can I Sue My Employer if I’m Sexually Abused at Work?

Employers have an important duty under the law to ensure the workplace is free from sexual harassment and abuse. If an employee experiences such misconduct at their job, they may be able to take legal action against both the individual abuser as well as their company. 

However, to successfully sue the employer, it must be shown that management knew or should have known of risk factors but failed to sufficiently address them. Consulting with a skilled labor attorney is key to determining the strength of a claim against your employer.

Some examples of employer negligence include lacking appropriate anti-harassment policies and not responding properly to previous complaints about an abuser. Punitive penalties can also be awarded when the neglectful behavior is especially egregious.

What Employment Laws Govern My Rights?

You should not fear retaliation from your employer or your abuser. The law is on your side. Victims of workplace sexual abuse have rights under both federal and state laws. 

It’s important to note that every state has different laws. For example, in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, you are protected by:

• Federal Laws: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sexual harassment, which includes sexual abuse, in the workplace. You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 300 days of the incident.
• New York State Law: The New York State Human Rights Law provides protections similar to Title VII and offers additional provisions that might apply depending on the size of your employer and the nature of the abuse. New York also has specific laws regarding the statute of limitations for sexual abuse, allowing victims to bring a lawsuit within three years of the abuse.
• New Jersey Law: The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) offers broad protections against sexual harassment and abuse.
• Pennsylvania Law: The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) protects workers from sexual harassment and abuse, with complaints needing to be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Contact Morelli Law for Help

If you have experienced sexual abuse or harassment at your workplace, know that you have legal rights and options for seeking justice and compensation. Consulting with an experienced employment law attorney can help guide you through the next steps.

Morelli Law is dedicated to supporting survivors of workplace sexual misconduct. Their team understands how profoundly devastating such abuse can be and will work tirelessly to hold responsible parties fully accountable using all remedies available under the law. 

By contacting us for a consultation, you can gain clarity on justice and begin the process of healing. Call us anytime to schedule your appointment. Our initial consultations are completely free and without obligation.