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Every person deserves to feel safe in the workplace. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Sexual harassment is a form of workplace discrimination that can impact anyone in the workplace, regardless of the job. You can count on a San Antonio sexual harassment lawyer from The Galo Law Firm to help you fight for the justice you deserve.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to a San Antonio sexual harassment attorney at The Galo Law Firm. You can call us at 210-764-6135 or send in a form online to set up your appointment.
Workplace sexual harassment in Texas refers to unwelcome and offensive behavior of a sexual nature that occurs within the professional setting. This behavior creates an environment that is intimidating, hostile, or uncomfortable for an employee.
It is important to understand that workplace sexual harassment can take various forms, and it is not limited to physical interactions or the immediate workspace. It can also extend to interactions among employees outside of official work-related contexts.
Sexual harassment can take on many forms, and it doesn’t always have to be motivated by sexual desire or look like explicit sexual advances. Anyone can be the victim of sexual harassment, regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or sexual preferences.
Some of the most common forms of sexual harassment in the workplace that our team at the Galo Law Firm has seen over our years of representing our clients include the following:
In Texas, workplace sexual harassment is prohibited by both federal and state laws. These laws include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Texas Labor Code, which safeguard employees from gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment. If you believe you are experiencing sexual harassment at work, you have the right to:
It’s important to document any incidents of harassment, keep records of communication, and seek legal advice if you’re unsure about how to proceed. It’s also important to follow the correct steps to ensure you have the strongest case possible when it comes time to file your claim with the court.
For example, you’re typically required to file a formal complaint with your employer before you can seek legal action against them. Your employer will then have a chance to rectify the situation themselves. Only if they fail to do so or you’re unhappy with their response can you take the next step and pursue a legal claim against them.
If you believe you are a victim of workplace sexual harassment, consulting with experienced legal professionals can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take appropriate steps to protect your well-being and professional environment.
Texas made some significant changes to the Texas Labor Code in September 2021, effectively making it easier for victims to report incidents of sexual harassment. Prior to passing this legislation, the Texas Commission of Human Rights Act (TCHRA) only protected interns experiencing sexual harassment. These laws did not cover employees, who instead had to rely on federal law for a solution.
Even then, federal labor laws only cover employers with fifteen or more employees. This left workers with little to no options when it came to protecting themselves against sexual harassment.
The passing of these two new laws, Senate Bill No. 45 and Senate Bill No. 21, expanded the influence of Texas labor laws to cover more people who experience sexual harassment in the workplace.
Some of the big changes brought on by these bills include:
It’s important for Texas employers to have a policy in place to protect their employees from sexual harassment in the workplace. Even so, it’s still possible for situations to arise that require you to advocate for yourself. When these situations do come up, it’s wise to work with an experienced San Antonio sexual harassment lawyer at The Galo Law Firm.
Reporting sexual harassment in the workplace takes courage and is a critical step toward ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all employees. However, in some unfortunate cases, individuals who come forward with their experiences may face retaliation from their employers or colleagues.
Retaliation is not only unjust but also illegal under various employment laws. Understanding your rights and taking action is essential to safeguarding yourself and holding those responsible accountable.
What Constitutes Retaliation: Retaliation occurs when an employer or coworkers take adverse actions against an employee who has reported or opposed sexual harassment. Such actions can include:
Reporting sexual harassment is an important step in creating a safer and more respectful workplace for everyone. Retaliation, however, is not only counterproductive but also illegal. By understanding your rights and seeking the appropriate legal guidance, you can protect yourself and contribute to a culture of accountability.
Remember that you are not alone; our San Antonio sexual harassment attorneys are ready to support you in your pursuit of justice and fair treatment.
If you’re the victim of sexual harassment in Texas, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Your compensation is meant to cover the costs associated with the harassment you experienced, such as:
In addition to the compensatory damages owed to you, an offender may also be ordered to pay punitive damages. These are awarded in situations where the employer committed a particularly reckless or malicious act.
The total damages you can recover for a case depend on the size of the business and the severity of the situation. By working with a San Antonio sexual harassment lawyer, you can pursue the maximum compensation.
While you’re more than welcome to handle a sexual harassment case on your own, it can be quite challenging. Not only is it complicated to navigate the legal process, but it can also be emotionally draining.
Instead of trying to handle everything on your own, you can lean on the support of a San Antonio sexual harassment lawyer. Your attorney can handle any number of tasks throughout your case, including:
No matter what stage of the process you’re in, you can count on our team at The Galo Law Firm to be there to help you through it. We understand the nuances of these types of cases and work hard to fight for your rights. We can help you through any challenges and answer any questions you have along the way, so you’re never left in the dark.
Our head attorney Michael Galo brings significant trial experience and a thorough understanding of employment law to every case. Having represented both employees and employers in state and federal courts, he knows how companies operate and defend sexual harassment claims. This unique perspective allows him to effectively advocate for clients and pursue fair outcomes.
If you’re dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself. Thanks to Texas’s new harassment laws, employees can now have more extensive rights when it comes to seeking legal recourse for sexual harassment.
That said, laws aren’t perfect, employers aren’t always cooperative, and situations don’t always go the way you expect. That’s why it’s beneficial to work with a San Antonio sexual harassment attorney. Our team at The Galo Law Firm has decades of experience handling complex sexual harassment cases in Texas, and we’re ready to help you, too.
Contact our office by calling us at 210-764-6135 or sending in an online form today.