,

How To File A Claim Of Sexual Harassment in Michigan

Being the victim of sexual harassment is an injustice that affects massive amounts of people in the US each year. Even if you haven’t experienced it yourself, chances are good that someone close to you has. It can take serious tolls on careers, emotional wellbeing, and mental stability. 

 

This is why over recent years, much more focus has been put on making it easier for victims of sexual harassment to come forwards and seek justice. If you’ve been subject to sexual harassment in the workplace, know that you deserve justice and may be entitled to compensation. 

 

Compensation can come via: 

 

  • Back pay
  • Front pay
  • Promotion
  • Reinstatement/rehiring
  • Punitive damages

 

To maximize your chance of being compensated, it’s crucial to get in touch with an experienced Michigan sexual harassment lawyer to help frame your case in the best way possible. 

 

Michigan’s laws regarding sexual harassment

 

First and foremost, the Evergreen State is protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act Of 1964 which bans all forms of sex-based discrimination in the workplace, including sexual harassment. This Act applies to all companies in the country with more than 15 employees. 

 

Since Title VII only applies to companies of a certain size, victims of sexual harassment in Michigan who are in smaller companies may have to refer to the state-level law, which is The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. 

 

The Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits a wide range of sex-based discrimination and applies to all companies regardless of size. 

 

Defining sexual harassment

 

There is an infinite number of ways that sexual harassment can occur, and perpetrators often find very unusual ways of going about it. However, we can mostly break up all sexual harassment lawsuits into 2 main categories, which are

 

  • “Quid-pro-quo,” where someone tries to offer an employee a promotion or another type of job benefit in exchange for sex or sexual favors, 
  • “Hostile work environment,” where someone is subject to unwanted sexual advances, stalking, rude comments or something that puts them in a sexually hostile environment 

 

Going through the legal process

 

If you would like to move forward with trying to sue a person or an organization for sexual harassment, your attorney can show you how to file a claim with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). These claims must be filed within 180 days. Conversely, if the organization you wish to sue has more than 15 employees, you may file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Claims with the EEOC have to be filed within 300 days. 

 

Do you need help with filing a claim?

 

The legal system can be confusing, so make sure to get in touch with an attorney who knows the ins and outs of the process and maximize your chances of compensation. Whether you’re in Detroit or Bridgeport, attorneys are waiting to assist you. 

0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *