Sexual harassment can be intimidating
enough for an employee who could be at the receiving end of a supervisor,
manager, over even the top boss. No matter what, filing a complaint and
possibly a lawsuit are the two major steps to protect yourself which is full
expressed by Hackensack, NJ sexual harassment lawyers. However, there are
several reasons why you could lose your sexual harassment case.
File
a Complaint Immediately
To begin with, the moment any form of
sexual harassment starts, you need to report it to the appropriate people in
management. Make sure to check your employee handbook to determine who you need
to report to. If you fail to do so your employer cannot be held liable for the
harassment since they can argue they did not know about it.
In addition, if you bear up with the
harassment and do not take your complaint to human resources or anyone in
authority, and end up putting in your papers, you most likely won’t be able to
build a strong case. Legal experts suggest that you make sure to report the
matter and review your company’s harassment policy to make sure you go through
the right channels.
Office
Etiquette is Important
While a bit of office humor is alright,
never cross the line when it comes to sharing dirty jokes or emails (certainly
not the latter since emails can be saved and shown to someone later on and copy
and pasted anywhere!). Your actions could be misinterpreted and may be used as
an excuse by the defendant who may simply state that you asked for it. A court
is not likely to weigh your sexual harassment claim seriously if a defendant
has a chance to pin you down on this aspect.
Don’t
Send out Mixed Signals
Another clever defense strategy could be
that you sent out mixed signals. In all honesty, you may be hurting yourself if
you tell a co-worker or supervisor that you have other plans and therefore
cannot honor his request for a dinner date. It is important to be direct and
tell your co-worker that you aren’t interested, even if he’s asked you several
times over. Avoid maintaining any kind of personal relationship at work or else
it could jeopardize your harassment case.
Cooperate
with the Investigation
According to Hackensack, New Jersey
sexual harassment attorneys, once you’ve gone ahead with a complaint, never
make the mistake of refusing to identify the harasser during an investigation.
In addition, refrain from any sort of boasting of how you managed to nail your
harasser. This could only send out signals that you have a hidden agenda and
were either not genuinely affected or harassed at all. Make sure to cooperate
with your employer and provide all the information you can about the
harassment.
You should always remain humble.
Seek
Legal Counsel Immediately
The bottom line is to review your
company’s sexual harassment policy and make sure to follow the procedure when
you need to report any type of harassment or discrimination. If your employer
needs names of potential witnesses or requests for information, go ahead and
cooperate with them, and at the same time keep the investigation confidential.
With a bit of guidance from a prolific
and dependable New Jersey sexual harassment lawyer, you will always be able to
make sure your complaint will prove to be fruitful whether you desire to sue
your harasser or employer or agree to a settlement.
If you are in a sexual harassment dilemma
and not sure which way to turn, you should turn towards Deutsch Atkins, P.C.
This law firm gets the job done
and knows how to take care of their clients. The first consultation is free so
what is there to lose? What you say to them will remain confidential forever!
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