Orlando Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Orlando Sexual Harassment Attorney

Workplace sexual harassment is more prevalent than you might think. If you are being harassed at work, you do not have to remain silent or suffer alone.  With extensive experience as an Orlando sexual harassment lawyer, the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A. can assist you in confronting inappropriate behavior and retaliatory actions at work. Whether the harassment is subtle or overt, you deserve to work in a safe environment where you are treated with respect.

What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment in the workplace can be subtle—but that doesn’t make it any less serious or illegal. Florida and federal law define sexual harassment as any unwanted behavior based on sex that manifests verbally, physically, or visually to generate an intimidating or hostile workplace environment. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, title, or industry. There are generally two types of sexual harassment:

• Quid pro quo. This literally means this for that. This means that a person is offered something in exchange for a sexual favor, like a raise or promotion. They can also be threatened with adverse action if they deny the favor, such as with termination or demotion. With quid pro quo, the offender must be someone in a position of power to have the authority to make changes to the victim’s job, such as a supervisor over an employee.
• Hostile work environment. This occurs when adverse actions make it difficult for one to perform their job duties, such as through inappropriate and unwelcome touching, crude jokes, and sharing lewd materials in the workplace. A hostile work environment can be created by anyone in the same work environment, unlike quid pro quo. This can occur between coworkers, bosses, and even subordinates.

No matter what the form of harassment you face, you have rights and options to seek justice and stop the harassment from occurring. The Law Offices of Gary A Costales, P.A. can help. Book your free case review with us now.

When to Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sexual harassment comes in many forms. Some types are obvious, but others are more subtle. Either way, the impact can be severe. Here are some examples that could be considered sexual harassment in the workplace:

• Unwanted touching. This is any physical contact that is uncomfortable or invasive. This can include shoulder rubs, brushing up against someone, or touching someone’s hand.
• Crude comments or jokes. This can include multiple comments about a person’s appearance or body. This can also include telling stories that the average person would find inappropriate.
• Unwanted advances. These typically involve repeated offenses, such as constantly asking someone out on a date or flirting, even after being asked to stop.
• Sending inappropriate messages. This includes sending inappropriate texts and emails.
• Threats or intimidation. This refers to threatening, either explicitly or covertly, negative job outcomes if the sexual harassment is not tolerated.

It doesn’t have to be directed at you to be considered hostile, either. A hostile atmosphere exists where inappropriate behavior persists in the workplace. An Orlando sexual harassment lawyer from the Law Offices of Gary Costales, P.A. can examine your situation privately to provide guidance if you’ve faced such misconduct or if you’re uncertain about it. Don’t suffer in silence. Call us to discuss your case and explore your options with a skilled attorney.

Federal and State Laws That Protect You

Handling sexual harassment cases becomes particularly challenging while determining the applicable laws. Both federal and Florida laws provide comprehensive protections and clear pathways to justice. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex. The EEOC received  98,411 harassment claims and 27,291 sexual harassment claims from Fiscal Year 2018 to Fiscal Year 2021.

The Florida Civil Rights Act is similar to Title VII for employers with 15 or more employees, and it provides a way for you to file a claim with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). You may file a charge with either the EEOC or FCHR or both.

Orlando sexual harassment laws not only protect against the harassment itself, but they also protect against retaliation. This means that legally, your employer cannot take action against you for filing a claim.

You generally have a certain amount of time you’re allowed to file with each organization, so be sure that you are filing within the appropriate deadline. When you hire a sexual harassment lawyer, they can inform you of your deadlines and help ensure that you meet your requirements on time.

What To Do If You’re Experiencing Sexual Harassment

People who experience sexual harassment in the workplace often feel confused or isolated and fear taking action. Even if you are feeling this way, it’s important to note that you still have options. By following these steps early on, you can protect your rights and lay the groundwork for a legal claim:

• Document everything. Write down exactly what happened, when and where, and who was involved. Keep a record of any texts, emails, voicemails, or other communications related to the harassment. This can help to support your claim if you file a formal complaint.
• Review company policies. In your employee handbook, you can find procedures for reporting sexual harassment. Most employers have a process in place for investigating allegations of harassment.
• Report the harassment if you can. Consider reporting the behavior to your HR department, supervisor, or another authoritative figure if you believe you’re safe to do so. If you are concerned about your safety, talk to an attorney before filing a complaint. Filing a complaint internally is typically a required step before you can file a formal legal complaint.
• Don’t quit or take action without legal advice. Quitting your job or taking action against your employer may complicate your case and prevent you from taking legal action. If you feel pressured, consult an attorney before taking any action.
• Contact a sexual harassment attorney. An Orlando sexual harassment attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a complaint with the EEOC or FCHR, as well as help you protect yourself from employer retaliation.

Choosing the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is never easy to deal with, and never something you have to handle on your own. At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales P.A., we offer targeted, experienced legal help designed around your case. Our firm is led by a board-certified Labor and Employment attorney, one of fewer than 200 practitioners in Florida to hold this certification.

We have experience on all sides of harassment law, having handled these cases as both EEOC Trial Attorney and Administrative Judge. Our comprehensive understanding of the system allows us to provide you with actionable solutions that deliver optimal results.

At every step, we strive to protect your rights with minimal stress. This means starting by listening and then walking you through your options, including filing with the EEOC and FCHR, negotiating with your employer, or filing a claim. We have experience with sexual harassment cases, and we’re ready and able to represent you in court, too. We practice in familiar venues, such as the Orange County Courthouse, so you can rest assured your rights are being protected.

FAQs

Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious problem, and it’s important to know that you have rights. At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., we pride ourselves on being more than just your attorney. We are responsive and compassionate. We listen to our clients’ concerns and work diligently to advocate on their behalf. If you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, we can help you hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions. Contact us today for a consultation.