Your Workplace Harassment Questions Answered: Can I File a Sexual Harassment Case Directly in Court if I was Sexually Harassed at Work in Tampa?

When a person is sexually harassed at work in Tampa, it can be a very shocking, frustrating, scary, and confusing time. Indeed, being violated at work sexually – whether by a coworker’s lewd comments, a boss’ sexual advances, or physical touching and groping in the workplace by the business’ customers – is not only traumatic for many Tampa sexual harassment victims, but also is confusing because many employees do not know where to turn, and may be afraid to report the sexual harassment. The truth of the matter is that you do have rights under Florida state and federal laws, and you can hold an employer who failed to protect you from sexual harassment in the workplace accountable in Tampa. But can a person who has been sexually harassed in the workplace simply file a lawsuit in court for money compensation? And where can sexual harassment victims in Tampa turn for legal help getting justice? We answer those questions here.

Initiating a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit in Tampa – Exhausting Your Administrative Remedies

So, then, can a sexual harassment victim file a lawsuit in court against their employer for failing to protect them against sexual harassment in the workplace? The answer is yes, but they first must exhaust their administrative remedies. This means that although a sexual harassment victim has the right to bring a lawsuit in court for money compensation against their employer for workplace sexual harassment, they must first file a charge or complaint with the relevant state or federal agency before they can initiate an action in court. Importantly, certain time limitations and filing requirements apply to the state and federal agencies – primarily, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Florida Commission on Human Relations  – and these must typically be strictly followed in order to ensure that your case is filed properly and in time. There is a limited time to bring a sexual harassment case in Tampa – and it is not that long – so it is best to speak with an experienced Tampa sexual harassment lawyer about your case as soon as possible.

Obtaining the Right to Sue and Filing Your Sexual Harassment Case in Tampa

It is important for Tampa sexual harassment victims who have already initiated a case with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Florida Commission on Human Relations to understand the importance of a legal document called the “Right to Sue” that they may receive in their case. If the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Florida Commission on Human Relations issues a Right to Sue in your case, it means that you have the right to file your case in court, but you must do so within the statute of limitations period.

Getting Legal Help with Your Sexual Harassment Case in Tampa

If you are in the Tampa area and you need legal help with your sexual harassment case, contact the experienced Tampa sexual harassment lawyers at the law firm Florin Gray. Contact Florin Gray today and speak to an experienced Tampa lawyer about your rights, options, and next steps now.