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Workplace Sexual Harassment Cases In Minnesota

AGGRESSIVE, CREATIVE, ETHICAL ADVOCACY

Minnesota Work Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Workplace sexual harassment creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment and can have serious negative impacts on employees’ physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Harassment can cause feelings of embarrassment, shame, fear, and powerlessness. It can also lead to decreased job satisfaction, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and, in severe cases, even depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims of sexual harassment often feel that their professional credibility is diminished, their job security is threatened, and their personal relationships, both inside and outside of work, have suffered. Unfortunately, the impact of sexual harassment can last long after the behavior has stopped. 

At Peters PLLC, we’re here to listen and help you take action. We provide sympathetic and assertive representation to those facing sexual harassment in the workplace. We will advocate for you and fight to ensure you get the legal remedies you deserve. Talk to us now by calling 612-427-4358 or reach out through our website by filling out a contact form.   

Why Hire Peters PLLC for Your Sexual Harassment Claim?

Choosing the right firm to represent you in your sexual harassment claim is a crucial decision. Our firm has the experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to help you obtain the justice you deserve. Peters PLLC has a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace, and we will use this knowledge to build the best possible case on your behalf. We will also take the time to fully understand your situation and work closely with you to develop a customized strategy that meets your individual needs. Our top priority is  helping you achieve a successful outcome, whether through negotiation or litigation, and to help you move forward with your life with dignity and respect. With our commitment to excellent client service and aggressive advocacy, you can feel confident in choosing Peters PLLC to represent you in your sexual harassment claim.

Though each case is different, a successful outcome in a sexual harassment case may include one or more of the following:  

•  Compensation for any wages lost due to the harassment 
•  Damages for mental distress as well as medical and therapeutic treatment 
•  Reimbursement of your legal fees 
•  Job reinstatement (in some circumstances)
  

Peters PLLC has the experience to stand up against employers who allow sexual harassment to flourish in the workplace. Let us provide the aggressive advocacy you need to protect yourself and maintain your right to work in a safe environment.

What is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Workplace harassment is any unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. Sexual harassment can occur between coworkers, supervisors, and subordinates, or even with customers and clients. It can take many forms, including sexual innuendos, gestures, comments, or jokes; physical touching or assault; or spreading false rumors or making negative comments about someone's sexuality. 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, and sex. This law, specifically Title VII, provides protection against sexual harassment in workplaces with 15 or more employees. By providing legal protection against sexual harassment, Title VII plays a crucial role in ensuring equal employment opportunities and promoting a safe and respectful work environment for employees. 

In addition to the federal statute, the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) also protects against sexual harassment. The MHRA defines sexual harassment as any unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating working environment.  This includes harassment that affects an individual's employment; unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance; or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. 

The MHRA requires employers to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment and to take reasonable steps to prevent and promptly correct any incidents of harassment. The act also provides sexual harassment victims with the right to file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights or to pursue legal remedies in court.  Like Title VII, the MHRA is important for allowing Minnesota employees to enjoy a work environment free of harassment.  

Hostile Work Environment vs. Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Generally speaking, sexual harassment in the workplace can take two forms:  hostile work environment harassment and quid pro quo harassment.

Hostile Work Environment: Hostile work environment harassment refers to a pattern of behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment for the victim. This type of harassment does not necessarily involve a tangible employment action, such as a promotion or a pay raise, but instead refers to a work environment that is hostile or abusive due to the harassment. The following are examples of behavior that could lead to a hostile work environment:  

•  sexual innuendos, gestures, comments, emails, text messages, or jokes 
•  physical touching or assault 
•  the spreading of false rumors or making negative comments about someone's sexuality; 
•  the viewing or sharing of pornography 
•  requests for sexual favors 
•  unwanted sexual advances 
•  comments about an employee’s body or physical appearance.   
  

Quid Pro Quo: Quid pro quo harassment refers to a situation in which a supervisor or someone with authority over the victim demands sexual favors in exchange for some type of employment benefit, such as a promotion or a raise. This type of harassment is characterized by a clear power imbalance and an explicit or implicit threat of an adverse employment action if the victim does not comply with the demands. 

Both hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment can have serious consequences for the victim. Such consequences include decreased job satisfaction, decreased productivity, and even mental and emotional distress. If you believe you have been a victim of sexual harassment, you need to take steps to protect yourself immediately.  An experienced employment law firm, like Peters PLLC, can help.  

What Should You Do if You Experience Sexual Harassment at Work?

If you believe you have been sexually harassed, there are several steps you should take:

•  Ask the harasser to stop:  In relatively minor cases, the harasser may be unaware that his or her actions are offensive or otherwise unacceptable. This may be the case if no sexual violence is involved.Talking to the harasser about how his or her actions may help improve the working environment not just for you, but for everyone. 
•  Report the harassment: If confronting the harasser does not stop the behavior (or if you believe it would be futile to do so), you should report the harassment in accordance with your company’s sexual harassment procedures (assuming they exist). This could mean reporting the harassment to a supervisor, human resources representative, or someone else in a position of authority. If the individual responsible for the harassment is a supervisor or manager, you should report the incident to a higher-level supervisor or to the human resources department. 
•  Keep a record: You should keep a detailed record of the incidents of harassment, including dates, times, places, and what was said or done. This information can be helpful if your employer conducts an investigation or if you decide to pursue legal action.   
•  Document attempts to resolve the issue: You should document any attempts to stop the sexual harassment, including conversations with the individual responsible for the harassment and any complaints made to a supervisor or human resources representative. 
•  Consider filing a complaint: If the harassment continues or if your employer does not take appropriate action to resolve it, you may consider filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a similar state agency, or in state or federal court. 
•  Seek legal counsel: You may choose to seek out legal counsel. An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid legal claim and can assist you in taking legal action if appropriate, including filing a lawsuit.

You have a  right to a safe and harassment-free work environment. At Peters PLLC, we can provide the guidance, support, and legal representation to help you understand and protect your right to work in a harassment free environment.

Questions? Get Answers From a Minnesota Sexual Harassment Attorney!

Employers who engaged in or permitted sexual harassment in the workplace must be held accountable. If you’ve been harassed at work, discuss your rights with a compassionate employment lawyer. At Peters PLLC, we have the skills, experience, and legal acumen to help. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call Peters PLLC today at 612-427-4358.  You can also reach out through our website by filling out a contact form.  

The information on this webpage is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. It is not a substitute for seeking personalized legal counsel and does not, and is not intended to, create an attorney-client relationship.

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Our core values are top tier quality work, trial readiness, and giving back to our community.

Andrew Peters is the founding attorney of Peters PLLC. Andrew has more than a decade of litigation experience representing both companies and individuals in a wide range of civil matters, including matters involving alleged workplace discrimination, sexual misconduct, wrongful discharge, wage and hour violations, breaches of contract, trade secret misappropriation, and defamation. Prior to starting Peters PLLC, Andrew practiced with some of the most well-respected law firms in the country, including Dorsey & Whitney LLP and Jones Day. Andrew also spent two years as a Senior Counsel in Wells Fargo’s Legal Department.

Andrew graduated summa cum laude from the University of Northern Iowa. He then attended the University of Iowa College of Law where he graduated with distinction. Andrew is licensed to practice in Minnesota state courts, as well as the Eighth Circuit, and the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota.

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