Stories of sexual harassment are all over the media today. For a victim, filing a sexual harassment lawsuit can take some serious gumption, especially when it is at their place of employment. When high profile cases pick up the attention of the media, retaining a public relations firm to partner with your attorney may be a good way to manage the perception the media and public have of you.
Public Relations
A public relations firm, or a publicist, manages the relationship between a person or entity and the public. Through the years, public relations have evolved along with advances in technology. As a result, PR Firms have had to respond quickly on behalf of their clients to information that is covered by the media or is posted on social media sites. A PR firm will manage the perception the media has of you by providing a number of services to their clients:
- Respond proactively
- Managing the client’s reputation
- Writing speeches or statements for client
- Management of social media outlets
- Help with issuing public apologies
It is common for attorneys to work with publicists when a case catches the attention of the media. Some law firms even employ their own PR person. Publicists can manage media outlets so that an attorney can focus on the legalities of the case.
Sexual Harassment Lawsuits
Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination that occurs when a person experiences unwelcome sexual advances either verbally or physically by another. Sexual harassment in the workplace comes in two forms:
- Quid Pro Quo: is when a person in power uses their position to take advantage of an employee by offering promotions or other perks in return for sexual favors. In some situations, refusal could result in a consequence that is negative. This type of situation only has to happen one time.
- Hostile Environment: is distracting behavior that is unwanted and usually involves sexual remarks and sexual advances. Examples of this could include lewd jokes, material that is sexually inappropriate, and repeatedly asking another person for dates. Usually this type of behavior must happen repeatedly. A hostile work environment can happen inadvertently. For example when a person is within earshot of another employee who repeatedly tells dirty jokes or makes inappropriate remarks.
Filing a Lawsuit
For years, sexual harassment has been shrouded in secrecy, making it difficult for people to take legal action. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. You may be entitled to compensation if you were sexually harassed in the workplace. Types of compensation may include:
- Pay for the time you were not working
- Wages or bonuses that you may have been denied
- Future Pay if you quit your job due to the sexual harassment
- Punitive Damages
It will be important to work with an attorney if you are considering filing a sexual harassment lawsuit. You will want representation from a professional to guide you through a process that can be stressful and complex.
Being the victim in a sexual harassment lawsuit is challenging enough, when a story catches the attention of the media, it can make a difficult situation even more painful. A crisis PR firm, recommends will be vital when it comes to managing the conversation happening in the public and helping to come up with a plan of action.