Pittsburgh Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorney

Allegheny County Employment Discrimination Lawyer

Sexual harassment is an unfortunate and preventable reality in many workplaces throughout Western Pennsylvania and across the United States. It is also against the law. Workplace sexual harassment, in any form, is a severe violation of an employee's rights, and such behavior is prohibited by state and federal statutes. While a person who engages in sexual harassment may think his or her conduct is harmless or amusing, victims are often left feeling degraded and humiliated. At Colianni & Leonard LLC, we understand the destructive nature of workplace sexual harassment, and we are equipped to help victims protect their rights under the law.

Protecting Harassment Victims in Greater Pittsburgh

It is important to understand that sexual harassment in the workplace is more than just an annoyance. Workplace sexual harassment is a form of employment discrimination that can be perpetrated by a superior, a colleague, a customer, or, in some situations, multiple people at the same time. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) points out that "simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious" typically do not rise to the level of workplace sexual harassment. Sexual harassment becomes illegal when the behavior is frequent or severe enough to create a hostile work environment or it leads to "an adverse employment decision" such as the victim being fired or denied a promotion that was due.

Recognizing the Problem

When sexual harassment is perpetrated by a superior, it commonly involves offering work-related incentives in exchange for sexual attention or similar favors. In more serious cases, a victim's job or future with the company may be threatened unless he or she complies with the harasser's demands. These types of situations can cause severe harm to victims, including damaged self-esteem and a fear of coming to work every day. Victims may also suffer financially, especially if they are fired or denied promotions because they would not "cooperate" with their harassers.

There is also the problem of retaliation. Retaliation occurs when a person is forced to suffer consequences for reporting sexual harassment concerns. Harassers may react strongly when their behavior is exposed, but retaliation is illegal and should not be tolerated.

Taking Action in Valencia and Ross Township

As a victim of workplace sexual harassment, you may be the only one who truly realizes the extent of the problem. While it is up to you to take the first step, Colianni & Leonard LLC, is prepared to help you along the way. We can advise you on how to make an initial report to your employer. If your employer is unwilling to help or is the source of the harassment, we will assist you in filing a claim with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or the EEOC. Our team has the knowledge and experience to help you seek relief, no matter what type of harassment you have endured.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about our firm and how we can help with your workplace sexual harassment case, contact our office. Call 412-680-7877 for a free, confidential consultation today. Colianni & Leonard LLC serves clients in Wexford, Gibsonia, Valencia, Sewickley, Ross Township, Allegheny County, and throughout Greater Pittsburgh.