Kansas City Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Sexual harassment at work is against the law in Missouri and everywhere across the country. When an individual engages in harassment, it breaks the Missouri Human Rights Act and the federal Civil Rights Act.

If you have been sexually harassed at work by a coworker, manager or any other party, your rights have been violated and you may be able to pursue an employment law claim to get compensation for back pay, front pay, reinstatement, emotional distress and more. If you quit because of the circumstances, you still can pursue a claim. Furthermore, if you were fired for complaining about sexual harassment, then you can still file a retaliation claim.

At Carter Law Offices in Kansas City, our attorneys have decades of experience and an impressive record of success in employee sexual harassment claims. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your options.

Are You Being Sexually Harassed At Work?

Signs to watch for include:

• Being touched unnecessarily (in most jobs, there is no reason for coworkers to touch you at all)
• Having your physical appearance, sexuality or dating life remarked upon repeatedly
• Being told inappropriate jokes or sexual “humor” repeatedly
• Being propositioned repeatedly
• Being shown pornography, nude posters or other sexually explicit material
• Receiving offers of workplace benefits from supervisors in exchange for sexual favors (quid pro quo)

While women tend to be the victims of sexual harassment on the job, men also experience sexual harassment at work, and both men and women have the same protection under the law. Sexual harassment can come from managers/supervisors and other people in power, as well as from coworkers.

Further, sexual harassment may come from contractors or other parties present where you work. You may even have a claim if customers sexually harassed you and your employer did not take steps to prevent this from happening.

If you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing at work amounts to sexual harassment, talk to our employment law lawyers. We can review your situation and provide knowledgeable guidance based on our extensive experience handling these cases.

What Is The Difference Between Sexual Harassment And Gender-Based Harassment?

Sexual harassment encompasses much more than just sexually charged behavior targeted toward one sex such as inappropriate touching, teasing or jokes. It also may include threats of firing, demotions or denied promotions if sexual favors aren’t granted.

Under federal law (Title VII), discrimination based on gender identity and expression is explicitly prohibited. However, the Missouri Human Rights Act does not explicitly list gender identity as a protected category, though state courts allow workers to pursue claims under “sex discrimination.”

We handle all of these types of cases, standing up for employees’ rights to a safe, harassment-free workplace.

How To Safely Document Sexual Harassment At Work

Contact your human resources department or representative for details about your employer’s policy or procedure for reporting harassment. Please get in touch with them by email rather than by phone or in person, so you have documentation of the report.

1. Establish an external, off-network journal: Create an immediate timeline. Do not use company notebooks, company phones or your work computer to document incidents. Keep a handwritten journal or a secure cloud file at home, logging the exact date, time, location, words spoken, physical gestures and any witnesses for every single encounter.
2. Preserve all digital and physical footprints: Secure and preserve the evidence. Take screenshots of all inappropriate text messages, Slack channels, Microsoft Teams chats or personal social media messages sent by coworkers or supervisors. Forward these files, alongside any offensive work emails, to your personal email account immediately. If you are locked out of the company network, this evidence is gone forever.
3. Understand the legality of audio and video recordings: While Missouri is a “one-party consent” state for audio recording, many Kansas City corporate handbooks contain strict antirecording policies. Violating a company policy to catch a harasser can give your employer a legal loophole to fire you for cause, destroying your claim. Always consult an attorney before hitting record.
4. File an explicit, written HR complaint: Trigger your employer’s legal liability. An employer generally won’t be held responsible for coworker sexual harassment under Title VII or the Missouri Human Rights Act unless the employer had an opportunity to prevent it. Write an email to HR or management. Your wording should be straightforward and not watered down: “I am reporting ongoing sexual harassment and gender discrimination.” Save a copy of your email.
5. Track the aftermath and retaliation signs: Document the corporate response. Missouri law does not mandate an investigation as an isolated requirement, but employers must take prompt, effective corrective action to stop known harassment to avoid liability under the Missouri Human Rights Act.

You are welcome to talk to our lawyers even before you report the incident to your employer, and we can give you tips and guidance.

Are Workplace Sexual Harassment Claims Confidential?

It’s understandable to want to protect your identity when you’re reporting something as sensitive as sexual harassment. You shouldn’t have to jeopardize your livelihood or reputation to speak up against illegal and unethical conduct. Depending on the legal process you pursue, there may be steps you can take to protect your privacy. Our attorneys can advise you on the specifics.

Even without confidentiality protections, however, you are still protected from retaliation. Under no circumstances is it okay for your employer to take negative employment action against you in retaliation for your speaking up against sexual harassment. Retaliation is a serious issue that can provide grounds for an additional legal claim.

Why Choose Carter Law Offices?

At Carter Law Offices, we understand that choosing the right legal representation for your sexual harassment case is a critical decision that can significantly impact your future. Our firm stands apart from other employment law practices through our unwavering commitment to client advocacy and proven results in workplace harassment cases. What sets us apart:

• Comprehensive legal background: Our diverse practice areas, including employment discrimination, professional negligence and business litigation, provide unique insights into corporate behavior and workplace dynamics that benefit sexual harassment clients.
• Medical knowledge advantage: Our in-house registered nurse staff member provides invaluable medical understanding for cases involving pregnancy discrimination, disability issues or situations where harassment has caused physical or emotional health problems.
• Proven trial experience: We do not shy away from taking cases to trial when necessary to secure justice, with attorney Douglas L. Carter having taught trial techniques through the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.
• Track record of success: Our firm’s latest wins include successful recovery in multiple recent employment discrimination cases, which obtained full damages for the clients represented by our attorneys.
• Professional recognition: Our collaboration with media and involvement with organizations, such as the National Employment Lawyers Association, helps confirm our authority and expertise in employment law.
• Willingness to fight: We take on challenging cases that other attorneys might avoid, never backing down from complex legal battles against major corporations or government entities.

We aim to get to know and understand you as a client and to communicate effectively with you throughout your case. We will be frank with you about the realities of litigation but also fight fiercely on your behalf to face the law successfully.

We know that these situations are difficult, and it requires strength to step forward about sexual harassment. Our team is here to support you, respect you and advocate on your behalf for a safe workplace.

What Can You Expect Working With Our Team?

When you work with us, our legal team will fully investigate the circumstances of your legal claim. If your employer fired you for rejecting their advances or otherwise made your work life difficult, we may be able to pursue a wrongful discharge claim.

Understand that employers will fight these allegations to the end. So will we. We will review all the evidence to fully establish that your employer could have taken steps to prevent sexual harassment.

Carter Law Offices has built a record of success taking on major corporations, government entities and employers. We will not be intimidated. Rather, we will be dedicated to achieving results and accomplishing your goals.

Call The Sexual Harassment Lawyers Of Carter Law Offices For A Free Consultation

If you were a victim of sexual harassment in your workplace, our attorneys can help you take action against it. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our Kansas City Office online or call us at 816-283-3500.