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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“When I was wrongfully terminated by my previous employer there was not a question of who I needed to contact to get the help I needed. The team of Katherine Neff and Randy Freking was amazing and Katherine is a shark! Katherine was by my side to win an unemployment appeal, and in the end, I got exactly what I asked for and needed. I can not say enough about this firm but if you need help give them a call.”- Mike M.
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“We wanted to share our experience with this law firm, as it was very positive from start to finish. My wife and I are in our 60's and were in a serious auto accident in which we were both injured. We were being pressured by the other parties insurance company to settle and did not know what we should do. We contacted Austin LiPuma who is a managing partner with the firm who helped us with the entire process. His communication was excellent keeping us informed every step of the way, presenting us with updates on our case, while allowing us to make the final decisions that we felt were best for us. Austin handled everything from dealing with the insurance companies to making sure that medical bills were being paid. In the end, he managed to get us a much better settlement than we expected.”- Kathy and Joe
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“Our experience with FMR has been very positive. I particularly appreciated the clear communication regarding the consultation fee to review the situation and determine realistic next steps. Navigating the user-friendly website, completing the initial questionnaire, receiving a prompt response, and meeting with an attorney all helped us understand the possibilities in a way we could comprehend. The initial support team was accommodating and professional. Jon Allison was patient, respectful, and fully present during the review. His expertise and ability to sift through details, listen compassionately and outline options was reassuring. The objective was to reach a mutually agreeable plan of action and we did. Highly recommend!”- Sandy D.
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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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“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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“Erin Heidrich was absolutely fantastic for us. She was kind, smart, and professional. Communication was great with her and she made us feel good about the likely outcome of the process we were going through. We would use her again for sure.”- Matthew M.
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“This team exceeded my expectations! They kept me updated at all times, answered & addressed any questions/concerns I had, & most importantly won my case. Highly recommend!”- Kofi F.
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“Erin Heidrich, Attorney, and Heather Waldron, Client Relations Director, handled my case with dignity and respect. They understood my concerns and supported my efforts to have a successful outcome. I am grateful for their commitment and support. I highly recommend them to anyone with employment concerns or challenges.”- Kristilynn T.
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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.
