Detroit Coworker Sexual Harassment Attorneys
In the workplace, people expect professional and respectful treatment, not only by their supervisors but also by their coworkers. Unfortunately, and all too often, coworkers act in ways that are not only inappropriate but offensive, demeaning, hostile, and against the law. No employee should have to endure sexual harassment by a colleague, and no employer should be allowed to ignore or sweep such misconduct under the rug when made aware of it.
When sexual harassment by a coworker goes unchecked and unaddressed, victims can feel powerless, scared, and uncertain about how to handle the situation. At Sommers Schwartz, we are staunch advocates for victims of workplace sexual harassment. Our employment attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and personal commitment to the representation of those who suffer the indignity and trauma of offensive comments, unwanted touching or sexual advances, and a workplace in which they feel unsafe and disrespected.
What Is Sexual Harassment by a Coworker?
Under both federal and Michigan law, sexual harassment is a form of prohibited sex discrimination, akin to discrimination based on race, religion, or other protected characteristics.
Prohibited sexual harassment is generally defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other statements or acts of a sexual nature that explicitly or implicitly affect a person’s employment, interferes with their work performance, or creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
A coworker can sexually harass a colleague, either male or female, in any number of ways. Sexual harassment by a coworker can take many forms, many of which are more subtle than unwanted touching or groping but just as traumatic, harmful, and unacceptable. This can include such words and deeds as:
- Touching, rubbing, or other unwanted contact.
- Inappropriate texts, photos, emails, or messages.
- Leering or staring.
- Exposure of genitals or other body parts.
- Sexually explicit or pornographic images and videos.
- Rude or overtly sexual comments about someone’s body.
- Rude or offensive comments about someone’s gender or appearance.
Harassers Should Be Held Accountable. Employers Should Be As Well.
For many victims of workplace sexual harassment, the emotional and psychological trauma of such mistreatment by a coworker can be compounded by uncertainty and fear about how or whether to respond or report the misconduct. But when an employee does make their employer aware of a colleague’s sexual harassment, as they should, the law obligates the employer to take action.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the federal law that prohibits workplace sexual harassment, employees have the right to work in an environment free from discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, and insult, including sexual harassment. That right inherently requires employers to remedy known hostile or offensive work environments created by sexual misconduct and harassment.
When an employer receives a complaint or otherwise learns of alleged sexual harassment by a coworker, the employer should investigate the allegations promptly and thoroughly and take necessary steps to end the harassment. When they fail to do so, victims can seek relief and compensation.
Sommers Schwartz: Michigan Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys
The employment attorneys at Sommers Schwartz aggressively pursue claims on behalf of workers who endure sexual harassment by a coworker and suffer the further indignity of having their pleas about such misconduct ignored by their employers. If you have been or continue to be sexually harassed in the workplace, we welcome the opportunity to assist you. Please contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
We fight hard. And we win.
News & Case Alerts
Read related articles and learn about recently filed cases.
A Client’s Gratitude for Tad Roumayah
Tad, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your unrelenting advocacy on my behalf throughout this process. It’s a shame that this sort of thing is still happening to new moms in 2023 and at an institution that prides itself on diversity, equity, and inclusion, no less. Knowing there…
Comments about Matthew Curtis from an Appreciative Client
Your efforts have changed my life, Matt. I’m forever grateful. My wife has tons of upcoming medical expenses, and we had both been working hard to make ends meet. I can’t thank you and your staff enough.
Praise for Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller and Matthew Curtis
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work and dedication in handling my case. I appreciate your professionalism, your compassion, and your perseverance throughout this challenging process. You have gone above and beyond to protect my rights, to defend my interests, and to secure a favorable…
Praise for Wage & Overtime Pay Attorney Jesse Young
Jesse Young worked an employment case for me that ended with almost 700 people getting their unpaid wages back. He and his team are incredible. From the first communication to the last, they never missed a single beat – consistent and clear communication, quickly replying to my communication, and always making…
A Client Talks about Andy Dragovic
My wife had an accident, tripping over a cable line that wasn’t buried. Andy represented us and were very pleased with the outcome. Andy was very professional, personable, and quick to respond to us, answering any of our questions or concerns. The whole firm was responsive to our concerns, and…
Praise for Dina Zalewski
The lawyers at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. were nothing short of amazing when I came to them with my medical malpractice case! Dina truly helped to put my mind at ease and because of her and her firm, I finally have closure and can begin my healing process! I just want…
Gratitude for Rob Sickels
When our world was shattered by an unexpected medical diagnosis, we were referred to Rob Sickels of Sommers Schwartz. What a blessing to get this referral as Rob listened to us with caring and compassion, spent all the time necessary to help us, was always honest with us about our…
A Grateful Client Talks About Dina Zalewski
Dina never lied to us and was very straightforward. I feel like she took me under her wing. She got me through something that I thought was going to be incredibly difficult for me to relive. Dina felt like a friend, somebody I could trust and look to for guidance….
Our Clients Say It Best
