Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim if You Were Victimized at a Holiday Party

If you were victimized at a holiday party hosted by your employer, you have clear legal rights. Federal and state anti-harassment laws protect employees during company functions, and if you have experienced any form of sexual harassment or sexual assault, you can—and should—hire an experienced Maryland employment lawyer to help you hold your employer accountable.

Here is a quick overview of what you need to know about filing a sexual harassment claim if you were victimized at a holiday party in Maryland.

State and Federal Laws Prohibit Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in Employment

Under the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) and Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, employees are entitled to freedom from sexual harassment (and sexual assault) in the workplace. While Title VII only applies to employers with 15 or more employees, FEPA’s sexual harassment provisions apply to all employers in Maryland.

Although there are limits on what qualifies as actionable sexual harassment under FEPA and Title VII, most forms of sexual harassment—including essentially all forms of sexual assault—committed at holiday parties will be covered. If anyone touched you inappropriately, made sexual advances or engaged in any other sexual activity without your consent, you will want to speak with a Maryland employment lawyer about asserting your legal rights.

There Are Clear Procedures for Filing Sexual Harassment Claims Against Maryland Employers

Whether you have a claim under FEPA or Title VII for sexual harassment at a holiday party, there are clear procedures for asserting your legal rights. When you hire a Maryland employment lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will file a claim with either the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on your behalf. If warranted, your lawyer can also work to negotiate a confidential settlement with your employer, and, if necessary, your lawyer can fight for justice on your behalf in court.

There Are Clear Remedies for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at Holiday Work Functions

Not only are there clear procedures for asserting your legal rights, but there are also clear remedies for sexual harassment and sexual assault at holiday work functions. While every case is unique, the types of remedies that are generally available in these types of cases include:

• Compensatory damages for your emotional distress and any physical or psychological harm;
• Loss of earnings if you need to take time off from work in order to feel safe;
• Mandatory improvements to your employer’s anti-sexual harassment policies, procedures and practices;
• Punitive damages in cases involving malice or recklessness; and,
• Coverage for your legal fees and costs.

Speak with an Experienced Maryland Employment Lawyer in Strict Confidence

If you need help protecting your legal rights as an employee in Maryland, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. To discuss your legal rights and options with an experienced Maryland employment lawyer in strict confidence, please call 410-514-6099 or tell us how we can contact you online today.