If you work in the financial and insurance industry and you were sexually harassed at work, you are not alone. According to the list of sexual harassment claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the financial and insurance industry accounted for 3.98 percent of the workplace sexual harassment claims that were filed from 2005 to 2015. If you work in the financial and insurance industry and you have been sexually harassed while on the job, you may be able to file an employment law claim and recover damages.
How a Financial and Insurance Industry Employee May Experience Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal, but it continues to happen. Sexual harassment takes many forms, and often, it begins discreetly and then advances. Sometimes the actions are obvious, and it is easy to tell that sexual harassment has taken place.
You should always maintain documentation and evidence should the need arise to pursue a sexual harassment claim because of you being a victim in the workplace. You have a limited amount of time to pursue a sexual harassment claim after suffering sexual harassment in the workplace in the financial and insurance industry.
Sexual harassment takes many forms. It can involve inappropriate comments, unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate touching, and improper jokes. It can involve offering you something in return for sexual favors.
As an example, you may be a bank teller who is told she will get a promotion if you agree to date the branch manager. You could be an insurance agent who is offered the opportunity for his or her own office if you agree to give in to the district manager’s sexual advances. Both these instances are sexual harassment in the financial and insurance industry.
If you have suffered sexual harassment in the workplace, it is imperative to maintain documentation and supporting evidence so you can prove your case and advance your claim. You have resources available, and you should make sure that you get your claim underway before the statute of limitations expires and then you cannot recoup compensation for your losses. An employment law attorney will be able to help you through the process and ensure all the proper protocol and procedures are followed.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim While Working in the Finance and Insurance Industry
If you have suffered workplace sexual harassment in the finance and insurance industry, you should make sure you file a claim to recover your losses. This can also help other workers because more likely than not, there is a pattern of such behavior in your employer’s workplace and your actions can help keep others from suffering the same treatment.
You will need to gather all your evidence and documentation. You will first file a complaint with your employer.
Take your evidence to the human resources (HR) department at your financial institution or insurance agency. Explain the situation in detail and then provide copies of the evidence that supports your claim. This may include witness statements, video or audio recordings, digital images, memos, texts, or emails.
The more evidence you have that can support your claim, the more likely you are to succeed with your claim and recoup your losses. If your HR at the banking or insurance organization doesn’t get the issue resolved, you will need to take the next step and file a claim with the EEOC. This can be done online or in person, but either way you will be interviewed by an EEOC representative.
The EEOC will investigate and they will contact your employer. They will work to resolve the issue and to ensure that you are treated fairly, and that all sexual harassment is put to a halt. If they cannot resolve the issue, or if they believe that the pattern of sexual harassment will continue within that financial institution or insurance company, they will suggest you file a lawsuit.
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
If you have been subjected to workplace sexual harassment in the financial and insurance industry, you should speak with an employment law attorney. A lawyer will be familiar with all applicable state and federal laws.
An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed before the deadline and will work to ensure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly. Some employment law attorneys ask for a retainer in advance, but others will take cases on a contingency basis. Get your Free Case Evaluation today.
