Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment Civil Rights Lawyer in Illinois

Standing Up for Sexual Harassment Victims

Sexual harassment in any form — from explicit e-mails to verbal abuse to indecent exposure — is not something employees in Illinois have to tolerate. If you have been sexually harassed at work, you have the right to take legal action against your employer and pursue compensation.

At Noonan, Perillo, Polenzani & Marks, Ltd., based in Lake County, our attorneys have experience helping clients pursue sexual harassment claims. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will pay us nothing unless and until you are compensated.

Understanding the Two Types of Workplace Harassment

 

Any sort of sexual harassment is unacceptable, but sexual harassment in the workplace can be particularly damaging to employees. There are two main types of sexual harassment for which employers are legally responsible:

• Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a manager or supervisor offers work incentives in return for acceptance of sexual advances or threatens negative work consequences if those advances are not accepted.
• A hostile work environment is created when management looks the other way while employees engage in behavior that is sexually intimidating or embarrassing to an employee or group of employees.

Our experienced civil trial lawyers at Noonan, Perillo, Polenzani & Marks, Ltd., have helped clients recover compensation from employers for both types of sexual harassment.

Pursuing Your Options Under Illinois and Federal Law

Legally, both types of sexual harassment are considered forms of sex discrimination and civil rights violations under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Our attorneys are very familiar with the requirements of both of these laws, which require complaints to be filed with the relevant agencies — the federal Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) and Illinois Department of Human Rights — within strict time limits.

If you believe you have been sexually harassed, don't hesitate to contact us to learn what needs to be done to stand up for your rights in the workplace.