Top Cincinnati Sexual Harassment Lawyers: Defend Your Rights
Comprehensive Legal Support for Ohio Workplace Harassment Victims
Have you or a coworker been sexually harassed in the workplace? Sexual harassment is a serious offense punishable by law. Contrary to common opinion, any individual regardless of sex, gender identity, or status can be either a perpetrator or a victim. Regardless of the circumstances, the Cincinnati sexual harassment lawyers at Freking Myers & Reul, LLC are here to help you stand up for your legal rights.
“Sexual harassment” is a broad term that includes many persistent, severe, and unwelcomed workplace actions, such as:
- Requesting sexual favors,
- Making sexual advances,
- Physical, verbal, or written sexual conduct,
- Sexual conduct that interferes with performance at work, and
- Conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive situation at work.
If any of these situations sound familiar, you may have grounds for a sexual harassment claim. Contact Freking Myers & Reul, LLC to discuss your situation. We have office in Cincinnati.
Ohio and Federal Laws: Your Shield Against Workplace Harassment
Fortunately, there are both federal and state laws in place to protect employees against sexual harassment and deter future instances from happening. The Ohio Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment based on sex, including sexual harassment. Federally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace.
Claims are heard by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission but there is a statute of limitations to file. Under state law, a victim has two years since the last instance of harassment occurred to file a sexual harassment claim. Federally, you have 300 days to file a claim with the EEOC.
Understanding Quid Pro Quo Harassment in the Workplace
“Quid pro quo” means “something for something” and is a form of sexual harassment when sexual favors or contact become a requirement to keep your job, receive a raise or promotion, or as any other term of an employee’s job. Quid pro quo harassment claims thus originate from supervisors or managers and are an imbalance of power that creates a hostile work environment. An infamous example of this would be the case of Harvey Weinstein, a once-prominent movie producer who was sentenced to prison for sexual assault and rape in 2020.
Recognizing Various Types of Sexual Harassment
It is important to note that victims of sexual harassment can be of any gender and sexual orientation. Harassment can also come from a direct or indirect supervisor or manager, a co-worker, client, vendor, or a non-employee. Your company always has a duty to protect you and your rights as an employee, no matter what the circumstances. This means your employer should take immediate steps to correct the issue and you should never suffer from persistent workplace sexual harassment.
What is Indirect Sexual Harassment?
Indirect sexual harassment happens when another person has been intimidated or offended because of the sexual misconduct or hostility of another. This can include:
- Witnessing sexual harassment
- Overhearing inappropriate jokes or comments
- Seeing obscene gestures
- Overhearing the discussion of sexual activity
- Seeing inappropriate emails or messages
- Overhearing sexually charged comments
Any of the following should be reported to your HR department, but remember that Human Resources works for your company, not you. By consulting with one of our Cincinnati sexual harassment attorneys, you can learn more about your rights and how to best protect them. Retaining our services can also help protect others from similar situations.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, stand up for your rights. Call Freking Myers & Reul, LLC at (513) 866-8816 or contact us online today.
A Down to Earth Approach
Our CLients Share THeir Experiences
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“I am very thankful that Mark Napier was recommended to my family. He is an awesome attorney. He is very knowledgeable, personable, and professional. He definitely went above and beyond in researching and preparing for the case. He also referred a brilliant mediator to guide the mediation process. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone needing legal services.”- Vicki G.
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“Randy Freking, Katherine Daughtrey Neff, and Jeffrey Silverstein are competent and professional attorneys. They made me feel like I was heard, understood, and respected as a client. They stayed and supported me all day at my mediation, and their guidance and expertise were invaluable. I felt like they really did care, and I truly appreciated that.”- J. Sink
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“I chose the firm based on its reputation and I was not disappointed. I worked with Kelly Myers and she was easy to work with and made the process simple to understand. She represented me in a way that I needed and in the end she was able to improve my outcome. So glad I used her! Highly recommend.”- Mark S.
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“I highly recommend Freking Myers & Reul. My lawyers Elizabeth "Liza" Newman and Jon Allison were both very attentive, understanding, and extremely knowledgeable about employment law. Their care for me and my situation went above and beyond what was right in the eyes of the law, but what was right for me as a person trying to be valued as an employee and as an individual. I always felt heard and never did I feel like just another case on their docket. I don't have experience with legal situations and their usual costs, but I felt like I more than got my money's worth with this firm. Thank you so much Liza and Jon!”- Karen P.
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“I would highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Kelly Mulloy Myers and her team. My case was handled professionally and efficiently . I was able to resolve my issue via email and phone calls which was much preferred keeping me from making trips into town, finding parking etc.”- Linda E
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“I have engaged the firm a few times regarding employment issues. Each time they were, kind, supportive, efficient, and provided excellent guidance. I have recommended them to several friends and colleagues. We were also impressed at how timely, organized and methodical they were!”- Virginia W.
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“She took the time to understand my needs, explain to me in simple terms what the legal implications were and to follow up with me through resolution in a timely manner. Her staff was always very responsive and helpful. Kelly was able to convey empathy which helped to build trust and make working together seamless.”- Kim B.
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“Finding yourself on the receiving end of wrongdoing can be a difficult and daunting experience. And sometimes in order to make things right, you need professional help. Our family was very fortunate to find Mark Napier and his wonderful staff. He reviewed our situation thoroughly and counseled and advised us every step of the way. Not only were he and his staff personable and approachable, but they were also very comforting and assuring during a very difficult and stressful time. Mark Napier rectified a situation for us that we could not have managed on our own. Our many many thanks and appreciation to Mark Napier and his staff. Highly recommended!”- Jim S.
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“Recently had a need for an attorney was referred to this law firm met Mark Napier who took on our case he was professional, honest, and trustworthy would highly recommend this firm moving forward.”- Darryl P.
