PENNSYLVANIA WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWYER
Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Nobody should have to tolerate sexual harassment in the workplace. Unfortunately, however, it happens all too often. Around 80 percent of women and 20 percent of men have reported being sexually harassed on the job.
Sexual harassment is against the law—it’s a civil rights violation. Although it’s a form of sex-based discrimination, it can happen to any gender and be committed by any gender. It can also happen between people of the same gender.
It can be uncomfortable to come forward about sexual harassment, but you can discuss your experiences with a trusted Pennsylvania workplace sexual harassment lawyer in confidence. Cordisco & Saile LLC offers a free case evaluation so you can learn risk-free how we might be able to help you.
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How Can Cordisco & Saile Help?
Cordisco & Saile’s Pennsylvania workplace sexual harassment lawyers have decades of experience advocating for victims seeking justice. Our case results show we consistently get fair and just compensation for our clients.
Each person’s situation is different, but we typically do the following in every case:
- Analyze and evaluate your sexual harassment claim.
- Discuss your legal options.
- Thoroughly investigate your case and gather evidence.
- Prepare and file paperwork.
- Negotiate for a settlement that fairly compensates you for your damages.
- Take your case to trial, if necessary.
Our firm works on a contingency basis. That means you do not owe us any fees until you get financial compensation. We don’t get paid unless you recover compensation.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
Sexual harassment can be hard to talk about outside a supportive environment. While an employer should have in-house procedures that enable you to report harassment, doing so can feel intimidating and uncomfortable.
A lawyer levels the playing field, giving you a professional in your corner. They can provide objective counsel while advocating for your rights. Sexual harassment law can be complex, and a lawyer can help you navigate a legal process and fight for your rights against your harasser or employer.
At Cordisco & Saile, our clients are family. We can help you decide what to do next if you are being harassed.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment is illegal and can take many forms. It may include:
- Unwelcome sexual advances
- Requests for sexual favors
- Verbal, physical, or visual conduct relating to your sex
According to the Office of Victim Advocate in Pennsylvania, “against your will is against the law.”
When sexual harassment happens on the job, your employer or the perpetrator can be held legally responsible. Here are examples of workplace sexual harassment:
- You were asked to perform a sexual act, and your compliance was a condition of your employment or other employment-related decisions.
- A colleague’s unwanted physical touches are interfering with your work performance.
- A colleague makes regular sexual remarks in meetings, creating an uncomfortable or hostile work environment.
Addressing and preventing sexual harassment requires creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of gender or identity.
The lawyers at Cordisco & Saile understand that coming forward about sexual harassment is not easy. We are here to listen to your story. As dedicated personal injury lawyers, we have consistently made our clients feel comfortable and safe as we advocate for their legal rights.
Proudly Serving Pennsylvanians from Our Eight Locations
We’re not just your attorneys, we’re your neighbors. Growing up in Pennsylvania, we’ve built strong relationships with the local judges and courts, making us uniquely equipped to handle your case. Our services span from Bucks County and up to Lehigh Valley, ready to meet all your legal needs.
Get started towards your path for compensation by giving us a call at 215-642-2335.
What Constitutes Quid Pro Quo?
There are two types of sexual harassment—quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment.
Quid pro quo harassment in the workplace happens when a boss or manager requests sexual favors in exchange for a job-related benefit or to avoid a job-related risk. Examples include:
- Offering a promotion in exchange for a sexual favor
- Threatening to fire unless a sexual favor is granted
These threats or offers do not have to be explicit, although they might be. It is enough under sexual harassment law for the exchange to be implied.
What Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment?
Hostile work environment harassment occurs when an individual faces unwelcome sexual advances, comments, jokes, or other conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work atmosphere.
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a hostile environment can occur when comments are severe or pervasive. However, isolated or offhand remarks might not rise to the level of harassment.
Even if you are not the direct target of the harassment, you might also have a sexual harassment claim if the behavior affects you. If an individual in your workplace continually targets one of your co-workers with sexual language to the point of hostility, and it also impacts you on the job, you might also have standing to sue.
Workplace Sexual Assault
People often use the terms “sexual assault” and “sexual harassment” interchangeably. They are both unacceptable forms of behavior that have different legal consequences.
Although you can sue an individual or your employer for sexual harassment, their behavior might not constitute a crime. Therefore, a perpetrator will not face criminal charges unless their behavior rises to the level of an assault.
Sexual assault is a serious crime in Pennsylvania. The law defines it as engaging in sexual intercourse with someone without their consent. In this state, sexual assault is a second-degree felony.
Indecent assault is also a crime in Pennsylvania. It occurs when a person touches the sexual or intimate parts of another person without consent.
You cannot consent if you are intoxicated or otherwise unable to agree to the behavior. The person who performed the assault can be held criminally responsible.
If you have experienced sexual assault, indecent assault, or other forcible or unwanted touching in the workplace, a lawyer can counsel you regarding the next steps.
Cordisco & Saile are sex abuse attorneys in Pennsylvania whose sole focus is standing up for people who others have harmed. Talk to us today.
Who Is Liable?
When you experience sexual harassment in the workplace, your employer might be held liable. If your employer knows or should know that the harassment is happening, they must take quick action to stop it. If they don’t, you might be able to sue.
Employers are obligated to take measures to prevent workplace sexual harassment. Such initiatives include the following:
- Providing sexual harassment training to employees
- Establishing a complaint procedure for anyone who experiences harassment
- Taking immediate and appropriate action in response to a complaint
An employer or individual cannot retaliate against someone who files a complaint about sexual harassment or against anyone who participates in an investigation.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the individual who harassed you might also face legal consequences. The lawyers at Cordisco & Saile can help evaluate the details of your case to help you decide on possible next steps.
Serving Clients Across Pennsylvania
Work With a Pennsylvania Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer at Cordisco & Saile
It is not easy to come forward about workplace sexual harassment. But if you’ve been harassed on the job, you have legal options and can get help standing up for your rights.
Contact Cordisco & Saile today through our online form or call us at 215-642-2335 for a free case evaluation.
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“I was in a serious accident in 2021. My injuries were new however they mimicked some of the injuries I received in a 2017 accident. After treating with 2 doctors, both who stated my injuries were permanent, I was recommended to Cordisco & Saile. My attorney, Steven DeBonis, was wonderful. He listened and guided me through the process. He worked endlessly to ensure I received a proper settlement. I am so grateful for his effort and kindness. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed someone to fight for them. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful. They are the best legal team around. Thank you for all you have done.”
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We’re here to listen, help you understand your legal options, and support you during this difficult time. Remember, there is never any cost or obligation when you call our team to learn about your options.
What to expect when you submit the form:
- You will receive confirmation that your form has been submitted.
- A legal professional will reach out to you during your preferred time within 24 hours.
- We will send you information about our law firm and the process of filing a lawsuit.
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