If you work in the professional scientific and technical services industry and you were sexually harassed at work, you are not alone.
According to the claims that were filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the professional scientific and technical services industry accounted for 5.73 percent of workplace sexual harassment claims filed from 2005 to 2015.
If you work in the professional scientific and technical services industry and you were sexually harassed while working, you may be able to file an employment law claim.
How A Professional Scientific/Technical Services Industry Employee May Experience Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
The professional scientific and technical services industry has individuals employed in a variety of job roles. These job roles may include chemists, biologists, lab technicians, clerical staff, administrative assistants, computer technicians, managers, inventory specialists, buyers, sales associates, and so forth.
Sexual harassment takes many forms. It can begin discreetly then advance into a more obvious and discreet form. It can involve inappropriate comments, unsolicited sexual advances, and promises of advancement, pay increases, bonuses, and benefits if the worker will comply with the sexual requests.
As an example, you are a lab technician with a major scientific research organization. Your supervisor continues making unwanted sexual advances and touches you inappropriately.
You are told that if you will respond to his sexual advances, you will be promoted and get considerable pay increases. Another example would be if you were a computer technician who is often patted on the rear-end by your manager and you are subjected to inappropriate comments of a sexual nature.
You are offered a better work schedule and higher pay rates if you will give in to the requests made by your manager.
Filing A Sexual Harassment Claim While Working In The Professional Scientific And Technical Services Industry
If you work in the professional scientific and technical services industry and you have been the victim of sexual harassment on the job, you will want to file an employment law claim against your employer.
Your first step in a successful claim will be to gather supporting evidence and documentation. Evidence may include your employee handbook, employment contract, paystubs, timecards, witness statements, video or audio recordings, photos, memos, emails, and any other evidence that helps prove you suffered workplace sexual harassment.
You will start the claim by notifying your employer. You will need to meet with the human resources (HR) department and explain what happened.
Provide copies of the evidence. You will need to document your employer’s response and keep all correspondence from them regarding your claim.
If the issue is not resolved, or if the harassment persists, you will take the next step and file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC will investigate your claim and interview you. The representative will speak with your employer and try to resolve the issue. If the matter is not resolved, or if the EEOC finds there is a pattern of such illegal behavior, they will suggest you file a lawsuit.
If you file a sexual harassment in the workplace lawsuit against your employer, a judge or jury will determine the outcome of your case. An employment law attorney will help you through the process.
There are federal laws that apply to your claim, but in some cases, there are state laws that are also applicable. You should familiarize yourself with the laws as well as company policy, so you can make sure you follow proper protocol and get your claim underway before the statute of limitations expires.
Getting The Help Of An Expert
If you work in the professional scientific and technical services industry and you have been subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, you should enlist the help of an employment law attorney who handles sexual harassment claims in your state.
The likelihood of a successful claim increases when you have a legal expert on your side. Your employer will be represented by an attorney, so make sure you have someone looking out for your interest.
When you meet with a lawyer, be sure to discuss the payment options. Some attorneys work solely on a contingency basis and do not get paid until you win your claim.
At other times, the attorney will require a retainer to be paid in advance. Time is of the essence, so ask for your Free Case Evaluation today by completing the form on this page. Make sure you have all your evidence and documentation in order.
