Sexual Harassment Information

South Florida Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawsuits

We have settled many sexual harassment cases for six-figure amounts — up to $600,000+. In 2005, we won a jury verdict for $2 million on a sex harassment claim. The employer was also forced to pay an additional $1.1 million in attorney's fees.

If you are the victim of unwanted sexual advances, quid pro quo sexual harassment, or a hostile work environment, Boca Raton workplace rights attorney William Julien can help. He will advise you on all aspects of your situation, from documenting the facts of the case to proving the full extent of your damages.

Contact the Law Office of William M. Julien, P.A. in Boca Raton if you have been victimized by sexual harassment in the workplace. Attorney William M. Julien represents clients with sexual harassment and gender discrimination claims throughout South Florida, especially in communities between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Sexual Harassment Law

Most cases of sexual harassment fall into one of two categories:

• Sexually hostile workplace
• Quid pro quo sexual harassment

Quid pro quo, derived from the Latin phrase meaning "this for that," involves pressure from a coworker, manager, or supervisor to provide sexual favors in exchange for keeping your job, getting a promotion or raise, or avoiding disciplinary action or a demotion.

In some cases, the best solution to a case of quid pro quo sexual harassment will involve negotiation of a substantial settlement or severance package as an alternative to litigation.

What Is a Hostile Workplace?

A hostile workplace makes it difficult for an employee to discharge his or her duties because of experiencing:

• Suggestive and unpleasant remarks about one's appearance, clothing, or body
• Inappropriate touching
• The open display of grossly sexist or pornographic photographs or drawings
• The circulation of sexually explicit or obscene pictures, jokes, or other material through e-mail
• Rumors or accusations concerning one's sex life or sexual orientation
• Company functions or client entertainment being held at strip clubs over an employee's objections

An employer's liability to an employee for a sexually hostile work environment can be due to failure to prevent or correct any of the conditions that an employee might find threatening or offensive. It often also involves threats of retaliation against the employee reporting sexual harassment or against workers who support a complaint filed by another.

Employers with detailed written policies against sexual harassment can also get into trouble by failing to follow their own complaint investigation policies or by making exceptions in favor of high-performing perpetrators or managers.

Protect Your Rights in the Workplace — Contact a Lawyer

At the Law Office of William M. Julien, P.A., we investigate and pursue claims of sexual harassment promptly and aggressively. We handle most cases on a contingency basis, so you owe no attorney fees unless we successfully resolve your case.

For a free, confidential consultation about your legal options if you are facing sexual harassment, contact Florida employee rights lawyer William Julien in Boca Raton.