Three Types of Compensation Sexual Harassment Victims Are Entitled To
Three Types of Compensation Sexual Harassment Victims Are Entitled To
If you were the victim of sexual harassment at your workplace, you are not only entitled to qualified sexual harassment attorneys to help you defend your case, but also to be compensated for the stress you have been put through.
The types of compensation you are entitled to include:
Back Pay. Were you denied a raise, a promotion, or were you fired as a result of the harassment you suffered? Then you may be qualified to receive back pay. In short, back pay is the wages, benefits, and any other compensation you would have earned but lost as a result of the sexual harassment. Back pay can include any of the following:
- Bonuses, commission, or tips
- Retirement or pension benefits
- Sick or vacation pay
- Stock options or profit sharing
- The dollar amount of benefits such as health insurance or life insurance
- Wages and any raises that you would have received
While certain states will allow you to collect back pay for a longer period of time than others, federal law limits back pay to two years from when you filed your lawsuit with your sexual harassment attorneys. If you are not able to find a new job, then you will be entitled to receive the full amount of your lost wages. However, if you do find another job, your back pay will be minimized depending on how much you make are your new job. Specifically, if you make $10,00 less at your new job than you did at your old job, then you are entitled to receive that amount in back pay.
Front Pay. While federal law gives you the right to be reinstated to your former job that you lost as a result of your sexual harassment, this may not be the best option. For one, the position may not be available anymore. Also, it is very likely that the working relationship would be too uncomfortable between yourself and the employer for you to return. If either of the two aforementioned situations occur, then you may be entitled to front pay. Front pay compensates any wage loss you will suffer from the date of your judgment into the future.
When it comes to deciding how long you will receive front pay, the following are considered:
- How long it will take you to find new employment
- The length of time you were at your previous job
- The turnover rate at your old employer
- Your age
For example, if a jury decided that you will be able to find a new job within three months, then you will be awarded front pay for three months.
Pain and Suffering. If you suffered physical pain or emotional distress because of a hostile work environment, then with the help of sexual harassment lawyers, you may be a candidate to receive compensation for pain and suffering.
Examples of pain and suffering include:
- Lack of energy
- Lack of interest in hobbies
- Loss of appetite
- Negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, fear, and humiliation
- Physical pain
- Sleep disturbances
The amount owed to the injured person is completely separate from the amount owed for medical expenses and front and back pay.
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, or have any questions, contact us today. Our sexual harassment lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve.
