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Sexual Harassment by the Owner or Co-Owners of the Company

OVER $400 MILLION RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS

Compassionate Sexual Harassment Lawyers Protect Employees from Sexual Harassment by the Business Owner or Co-Owners.

Sexual harassment by the owner of the company is a form of sex discrimination under federal and state laws. When your business owner, co-owner, CEO, CFO, President, or any member of upper management sexually harasses you, you are entitled to compensation.

Sexual harassment from company leadership occurs when any of the above makes the following unwanted actions towards an employee or job applicant: unwanted sexual advances, unwanted sexual comments, unwelcome physical contact, etc.

For over 25 years, the experienced sexual harassment attorneys and the team of former sex-crimes prosecutors at the Derek Smith Law Group in New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, Los Angeles, or New Jersey have helped victims of sexual harassment receive the compensation they deserve.

What Are the Claims for Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Sexual harassment can occur as either a quid pro quo action or a hostile work environment.

  • Quid Pro Quo. Quid pro quo means this for that. A quid pro quo action occurs when an employer promises you advances in employment in exchange for sexual acts.
  • Hostile Work Environment. A hostile work environment occurs when the owner of the company uses sexual harassment in one of two ways. One way intimidates an employee or job applicant. The other way creates an uncomfortable work environment that makes it impossible for a reasonable person to complete daily job duties.

What Are Examples of Sexual Harassment by the Owner of a Company?

Sexual harassment from business owners and co-owners may include, but is not limited to:

  • Touching any part of your body every time you are in the same vicinity
  • Kissing you against your wishes
  • Grabbing or touching your genitals or breasts
  • Offering you a promotion in exchange for sexual favors
  • Demoting you for denying sexual favors
  • Sending sexual emails and text messages
  • Denying you a raise unless you agree to go on a date with him
  • Asking you to date her son and denying you a promotion when you refuse
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault

How Does an Employee Report Sexual Harassment by a Business Owner?

The business owner is the top of the business chain of command. However, you still have options to report any sexual misconduct committed by the owner or co-owner of a company. If your company employs a human resources (HR) department, you may report sexual harassment there.

If your employer does not have an HR department, you may be able to report sexual harassment to any of the following:

  • The board of directors
  • A co-owner
  • A governing agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

How Can Victims of Sexual Harassment by the Owner of a Company file a Claim for Sexual Harassment?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits any form of sex or gender discrimination in the workplace. Sex and gender discrimination includes sexual harassment from a business owner.

If you have been sexually harassed or subjected to a hostile work environment by any of the following, you may have a sexual harassment claim: Owner, Co-owner, CEO, CFO, President, Anyone else in the leadership position within the company

As a result, you may be able to file a claim with EEOC.  This claim may lead to a sexual harassment lawsuit in federal court.

Many state discrimination laws prohibit sexual harassment by business owners as well. Some states provide longer timelines to file a claim.

Some states prohibit sexual harassment in companies with as few as 1 to 4 employees. Some states requiring a limited number of employees to qualify for sexual harassment protection include: New York, California, New Jersey

Also, Sexual harassment laws prohibit retaliation for reporting sexual harassment. If your employer fires you for filing a complaint or reporting sexual harassment, you may have a claim for wrongful termination and retaliation.

What Compensation Is Available to Victims of Sexual Harassment by the Owner of the Company?

Many courts will offer remedies for your sexual harassment claims. These remedies may include forward or back pay, attorney’s fees, and payment for financial and emotional damages.

State laws may offer better remedies for your claim, based on your case details. However, in some cases, the federal court may offer the most advantages for your claim.

The experienced sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group can help you figure out which courts are best for your case.

Contact Our Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyers 

The owner of your company has a responsibility to protect you from sexual harassment in the workplace. This protection cannot happen when it is the owner that is harassing you.

If you are sexually harassed or subjected to a hostile work environment by an owner, co-owner, CEO, CFO, president, or anyone else in the leadership position of the company, call our sexual harassment lawyers at 800-807-2209 or complete our online form for a free consultation.

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