Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Cleveland, Ohio

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Ohio Civil Rights Act. Prohibited workplace sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical sexual conduct that affects a person’s employment.

While workplace sexual harassment can happen in many different ways, the prohibited conduct generally falls into one of two general categories: quid pro quo sexual harassment, or hostile work environment sexual harassment.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase that means “something for something.” In the context of a workplace sexual harassment claim, it means that your boss, supervisor, manager, or anyone with authority over you in the workplace made an offer to make a trade in exchange for a sexual favor. This could include, for example, a raise in exchange for performing sexual favors, sex to receive a promotion, or sending naked pictures to receive more work hours.

To prove a claim of workplace sexual harassment, you must show:

  1. You are a member of a protected class (a person can be protected regardless of their sex or gender);
  2. You were subjected to unwelcome sexual advances or demands for sexual favors by someone with workplace authority over them;
  3. The harassment complained of is based on sex;
  4. Your agreement to the unwelcome advances was an express or implied condition of receiving a job or job benefits, or that refusal to agree to the demands would result in a tangible job detriment; and
  5. The actions can be attributed to your employer.

Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment exists when physical, verbal, or visual sexual harassment is so severe or pervasive that it interferes with an employee’s ability to work. Determining whether hostile work environment harassment occurred often depends on the specific nature of the conduct, its frequency and severity, whether the conduct is threatening or humiliating, and whether it interferes with the employee’s job performance.

To prove a case of hostile work environment sexual harassment, an employee must show that the conduct:

  1. Was unwelcome;
  2. Was based on a person’s sex;
  3. Was sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the person’s working conditions and create an abusive working environment; and
  4. Can be attributed to the person’s employer.

Economic or financial harm is not required to prove a case of hostile work environment sexual harassment. These claims often involve emotional distress and mental anguish.

Lalak LLC: Sexual Harassment Lawyer Fighting to Protect Workers’ Rights

If you believe you experienced workplace sexual harassment, you might be entitled to compensation. Lalak LLC will evaluate your case, provide advice and legal representation, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Chris Lalak is an experienced and sought-after Ohio workplace sexual harassment lawyer. He has dedicated his career to representing employees in legal claims against their employers, and is a skilled and tenacious advocate who fights to ensure that Ohio workers are treated fairly. Attorney Lalak has extensive knowledge of Ohio and federal employment law, and he knows what it takes to win.

Lalak LLC has a demonstrated record of success, and sexual harassment lawyer Chris Lalak has earned a reputation as a fearless and tenacious advocate who pursues fair compensation for workers who have been mistreated.

To learn more about Lalak LLC and how we can help, contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation.