Massachusetts Sexual Harassment Attorneys
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination. When sexual harassment occurs in a workplace, the victim can suffer serious damage. Massachusetts workers deserve a professional environment that is free from any type of sex-based discrimination. Under key federal and state labor regulations such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA), Massachusetts workers are protected from sexual harassment.
If you have faced sexual harassment in your workplace, you have the right to pursue monetary compensation for the damages you suffered because of the harassment. Additionally, you may pursue compensation for the damages you suffered due to any retaliation you faced for filing a sexual harassment claim. Among other things, this could include compensation for lost pay, damage to your career, physical harm, and even emotional anguish. As these are complex cases, it is imperative that workers seek professional legal guidance.
Get Help From a Massachusetts Sexual Harassment Lawyer
At Console Mattiacci Law, LLC, our Massachusetts sexual harassment attorneys are committed to representing the rights and interests of victims throughout the state. If you were the victim of sexual harassment in Massachusetts, please call our office at 215-545-7676 to schedule your fully confidential legal consultation with us. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
We represent all types of sexual harassment victims, such as those who faced hostile work environments and victims of quid pro quo sexual harassment. Whether your case is a relatively minor one or your entire career was derailed due to the harassment you faced, our team is equipped to help you get justice and fair financial compensation for your damages.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is any harassment made based on the victim’s gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It includes, but is not limited to:
- The use of lewd or derogatory language toward the victim;
- Unwanted sexual advances;
- Offers of favorable treatment in exchange for sexual contact;
- Unwanted physical touching;
- Exposing the victim to sexually explicit images, videos, or other content;
- Making sexually charged jokes about the victim or while in his or her presence; and
- Any comments about the victim that are sexual in nature.
Who is Responsible for Workplace Sexual Harassment in Massachusetts?
Sexual harassment cases are deeply complex. Employers can be held liable for sexual harassment that occurs at their workplace. This is true even when the harasser is a colleague of the victim’s and potentially when the harassment comes from individuals outside the company, such as a client or a vendor. Ultimately, these are fact-specific cases. Employers can be held responsible if they created a situation that allowed sexual harassment to occur or persist or they failed to take reasonable action to stop the problem and protect their employees. Under Massachusetts state law, all employers with six or more employees are required to establish written sexual harassment policies. These policies should include language that provides that sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliation against employees for filing sexual harassment claims is unlawful.
Retaliation for a Sexual Harassment Claim
Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is also illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a sexual harassment claim or providing testimony to support a colleague’s claim. Retaliation is any action taken in an effort to punish an employee for their actions, such as:
- Terminating the employee;
- Subjecting the employee to additional harassment;
- Demoting the employee;
- Denying the employee the opportunity to advance in the company; and
- Shutting the employee out of professional development opportunities.
The bottom line: Workers have a right to notify their employer that they are facing unlawful sexual harassment. Employers should take these claims seriously and they cannot take adverse action against the victim.
If you face retaliation for your actions related to a sexual harassment claim, you may file a retaliation claim. This is a separate claim from your sexual harassment claim, and even if you are unable to recover compensation for your sexual harassment damages, you may recover compensation for your retaliation damages.
Pursuing Compensation for Sexual Harassment Damages in Massachusetts
Through your sexual harassment claim, you may pursue compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills for any physical injuries you suffered due to the harassment;
- Your mental anguish and emotional distress;
- Your lost wages due to taking time off work, losing your job, or being denied an advancement opportunity; and
- Punitive damages, compensation meant to punish the liable party for their actions.
Console Mattiacci Law, LLC Massachusetts Sexual Harassment Lawyers
If you suffered damages because of sexual harassment in your workplace, you have the right to pursue monetary compensation for your damages with the aid of an experienced sexual harassment lawyer. Contact our team of experienced employment lawyers at Console Mattiacci Law, LLC today by calling 617-665-6740 to schedule your initial legal consultation in our office. We are here to answer any questions you have and represent your case. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.