Birmingham Sexual Harassment Lawyers 

Common Forms of Sexual Harassment

There are two legally recognized forms of sexual harassment:

• “Quid Pro Quo” Sexual Harassment: This occurs when employment benefits, such as salary increases, promotions, or work assignments, are conditioned on an employee’s response to sexual advances, or when an employee faces termination or other consequences for refusing.
• Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment: This occurs when unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation is severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of employment.

Steps to Take If You Experience Sexual Harassment at Work

If you’re experiencing sexual harassment at work, take the following steps:

• Keep a written record of specific dates and the comments or behaviors that made you feel uncomfortable
• If you feel safe, inform the harasser that their behavior is offensive and unwelcome
• Report the harassment to your manager or supervisor and request that it stop
• Cooperate in your employer’s investigation of your complaint
• Continue documenting any harassment you experience after reporting
• If your employer fails to act, file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• Consult with a sexual harassment attorney to discuss your options under the law

Retaliation After Reporting Sexual Harassment

Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee who reports sexual harassment or participates in a harassment investigation. Retaliation can take many forms: termination, demotion, salary reduction, schedule changes, negative performance reviews, increased scrutiny, and exclusion from workplace activities. Importantly, an employer can be liable for retaliation even when the underlying harassment claim isn’t ultimately proven, as long as the employee reported in good faith.

Retaliation claims follow the same EEOC process as harassment claims and are subject to the same filing deadlines. We represent Birmingham employees in retaliation claims arising from sexual harassment reports, and we fight to help make sure that coming forward doesn’t cost you more than staying silent already has.

EEOC Filing Deadlines & Recoverable Damages

Acting promptly is critical. In Alabama, employees generally have 180 days from the last act of harassment to file a charge with the EEOC. After the agency issues a Notice of Right to Sue, the letter authorizing you to pursue the claim in court, you have 90 days to file a lawsuit. Missing either deadline can foreclose your options entirely.

A successful sexual harassment claim may allow you to recover back pay, lost benefits, reinstatement, and compensatory damages for emotional distress. Punitive damages may also be available where an employer acted with malice or reckless indifference to federally protected rights. Our attorneys guide Birmingham clients through the EEOC charge process and, when necessary, into federal or state court to pursue remedies that may be available under the law.

Contact Our Birmingham Sexual Harassment Attorneys Today

Michel Allen & Sinor is devoted to representing employees subjected to illegal sex discrimination and harassment. We know your rights, and so should you. If you’ve experienced sexual harassment or sex discrimination at work, you need to act quickly. Your employer may already be looking for ways to defeat any claim you may have.

With over 50 years of combined employment law experience, our attorneys are ready to put that knowledge to work for you. Speak with a member of our team today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you protect your rights and your future.

Contact Michel Allen & Sinor today to schedule a FREE confidential case evaluation with our Birmingham sexual harassment lawyers!