Sexual Harassment Lawyer Easton, PA
Practice Areas
Easton, Pennsylvania Civil Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Lawyer Ed Shaughnessy
No one expects to be sexually harassed at work or victimized by someone in a position of trust, but it happens far too often. If you have experienced an intimidating work environment, offensive conduct from another, or unwanted sexual advances at work, you need a Pennsylvania sexual harassment lawyer or sexual assault lawyer to help you seek justice.
As an experienced Easton civil litigation attorney and personal injury attorney, Edward P. Shaughnessy takes a compassionate yet aggressive approach to every case. At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, we understand how workplace harassment can affect a person and their career.
Whether you were assaulted or harassed by a supervisor, co-worker, or non-employee, Attorney Shaughnessy will fight to hold the person responsible for the misconduct accountable. If a reasonable person would consider the behavior harassing or inappropriate, it’s worth discussing your situation with a lawyer.
Call (610) 258-9955 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options.
Sexual Harassment Complaints We Handle
At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, we represent victims who have suffered from workplace harassment, as well as those who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse or assault.
Workplace Sexual Harassment in Pennsylvania
Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected within their workplace. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some individuals engage in sexually harassing behavior while at work, victimizing their own employees or colleagues. If you have been the victim of this kind of workplace harassment, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit and recover financial compensation for your damages.
What is Considered Sexual Harassment at Work?
Sexual harassment in the workplace refers to any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct that’s of a sexual nature, which creates an offensive work environment. Oftentimes, this harassing conduct unreasonably interferes with a person’s ability to work or results in negative employment action.
Workplace sexual harassment occurs in many forms and can result in a variety of damages for victims. Some examples of sexual harassment in the workplace include:
- Repeated sexual innuendos or rude comments about someone’s sex
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits
- Unwanted touching or physical conduct
- Displaying sexually explicit materials in shared workspaces
- Sending inappropriate text messages to co-workers
- Making comments or jokes that target a person’s sex or sexual orientation
How Common is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Despite the severe legal consequences, workplace sexual harassment remains a common occurrence. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), approximately 38% of women and 14% of men have reported experiencing sexual harassment at their workplace. However, due to the stigma associated with sex-based crimes, as well as the potential threat of workplace retaliation, it’s believed that sexual harassment in the workplace is greatly under-reported.
Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Workplace sexual harassment can manifest in various forms and can differ from other types of sexual harassment, due to the setting. It’s important to be aware of these types to recognize improper workplace behavior and address these issues effectively.
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase meaning “this for that.” In a sexual harassment case, it refers to conduct in which a person of authority offers a subordinate workplace benefits in exchange for sexual favors. The benefits are often job-related perks such as promotions, raises, or even job security in these situations. This can create a very coercive and exploitative dynamic, leaving victims feeling trapped and vulnerable in their workplace.
Hostile Work Environment
Workplace sexual harassment can also create a hostile work environment. This occurs when one or more individuals in a workplace engage in sex-based verbal harassment, make sexual innuendos, or engage in unwanted sexual contact with one or more other employees.
This behavior creates an intimidating and offensive work environment, making it challenging for victims to perform their jobs effectively and comfortably. For this kind of sexual harassment to constitute creating a “hostile work environment,” it must be pervasive and repetitive. It’s more than just an off-hand comment; it’s repeated behavior that causes emotional distress to victims and impacts their well-being.
How Do I Know If I Have a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim?
If you believe you have been sexually harassed at work, it’s important to speak to an Easton, PA, civil litigation attorney with experience handling these types of cases. They can evaluate the circumstances of the alleged conduct, gather evidence, and provide you with legal options regarding your claim.
You may have grounds for a valid sexual harassment claim in Pennsylvania if:
- You were subjected to sex-based harassment or unwelcome sexual advances at your place of work or by an employer or fellow employee
- The conduct was severe and pervasive
- The conduct created a hostile work environment
- No action was taken to prevent the harassment
- You were subjected to retaliation for reporting the harassment
How to Report Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in Pennsylvania
Employees should report harassment through the appropriate internal channels. In many cases, an employee handbook outlines the complaint process, often instructing individuals to contact human resources. It is helpful to keep written documentation of the harassment, including dates, locations, and the names of any witnesses.
When harassment involves sex discrimination or targets someone because of their national origin, it can interfere with the employee’s work performance and create serious legal concerns. If the employer does not take action or the harassment continues, the next step may be to report harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which handles federal harassment and discrimination complaints. In Pennsylvania, complaints may also be filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). These actions help preserve a legal record and can support a sexual harassment claim in civil court.
What is the Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations for Sexual Harassment Claims?
In Pennsylvania, individuals generally have 180 days from the last act of harassment to file a complaint with the EEOC. However, this deadline may be extended to 300 days if a similar complaint is filed with the PHRC.
Civil lawsuits stemming from workplace harassment usually have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the unlawful conduct. If you have experienced sexual harassment in your place of employment, Attorney Shaighnessy can help ensure your case is filed within the required time limits.
Sexual Abuse and Assault in Easton, PA
In addition to workplace harassment, we also help victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault recover compensation for their losses.
Sexual abuse often involves a repeated pattern of behavior, including inappropriate touching, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, or coercion that targets a vulnerable individual, sometimes over weeks, months, or even years. Sexual assault may be a single incident, but it can be equally damaging. Both can result in lifelong emotional and physical trauma. These acts can interfere with an individual’s work performance, mental health, and relationships.
At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, we pursue justice for victims of adult and childhood sexual abuse. Whether the person harassing was a family member, caregiver, employer, or someone in authority, Attorney Shaughnessy can work to hold the person responsible accountable.
What is Considered Sexual Abuse or Assault in Pennsylvania?
Sexual abuse typically refers to a pattern of non-consensual behavior, including verbal harassment, unwanted advances, and inappropriate touching. It often occurs in situations where the victim is manipulated or unable to speak out.
Sexual assault, on the other hand, includes any unwanted sexual contact or forced sexual activity. Even a single incident can meet the legal threshold for assault. Victims may suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that interfere with daily life.
Who Could Be Liable in a Sexual Assault Claim?
In general, the person who committed the abuse would be the person liable for the sexual abuse. However, liability in sexual abuse or assault cases can extend beyond the abuser. Responsible individuals could also include those who enabled or failed to stop the abuse. This includes institutions like schools, employers, or religious organizations that ignored complaints or failed to protect victims.
For example, if an employer fails to investigate a sexual harassment complaint or discourages someone from reporting it, they may be held liable. If an organization knowingly allows a predator access to vulnerable individuals, that institution may also be held liable.
Elements of a Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
Childhood sexual abuse cases often involve adults in positions of power or trust taking advantage of a child’s vulnerability. The abuse may involve grooming, coercion, or force. Legal claims may include:
- Emotional distress
- Medical costs
- Punitive damages
These lawsuits require extensive documentation, corroboration from other victims or witnesses, and a clear connection between the abuse and the long-term harm caused.
Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
For adult victims of sexual assault (25 or older), the statute of limitations to file a civil claim in Pennsylvania is generally two years. For victims of childhood sexual abuse, recent changes in state law have extended this period significantly. House Bill 962 extends the civil statute of limitations for child victim survivors to age 55 to file a lawsuit.
Victims who suffered abuse between the ages of 18 and 24 have until their 30th birthday to file a civil suit. There is also a two-year window for filing retroactive claims depending on the circumstances.
These timeframes can change depending on the type of claim and who the defendant is. For this reason, speaking with an Easton sexual harassment attorney as soon as possible can help preserve your legal rights.
How Can a Pennsylvania Lawyer Help With My Sexual Abuse or Sexual Harassment Claim?
At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, we aggressively represent our clients who are victimized by sexual harassment or sexual abuse. We can help secure damages for victims of sex-based harassment at work, including those who have had their pleas for justice ignored or brushed off. We’ll investigate your claim, interview any witnesses who may also be called upon to testify, and build a strong civil case on your behalf.
For sexual abuse and assault cases, Attorney Shaughnessy can uncover the facts and hold abusers accountable. These cases can be incredibly delicate and emotionally charged, so it’s important to have a compassionate and fiercely dedicated attorney who will stand strong for victims inside and outside the courtroom.
Contact Civil Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Attorney Edward P. Shaughnessy Today
If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, workplace harassment, or sex-based workplace discrimination in Easton, Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance. Experienced sexual abuse and sexual harassment attorney Edward P. Shaughnessy is here to help guide you through the legal process and help you seek justice.
We understand the emotional and legal challenges that come with sexual abuse and sexual harassment at work. That’s why we’re so committed to advocating for victims and helping them seek justice. While a civil lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering you’ve endured, it can help provide you with financial relief in the wake of it.
Contact an Easton sexual harassment lawyer today at (610) 258-9955 and schedule a confidential consultation with an attorney.
Contact Us Today For a Free Consultation!
