Harassment is unacceptable in the workplace, and there are steps you can take to protect your legal rights. Filing a harassment complaint can help you stop the offending conduct, protect yourself at work, and potentially win financial compensation. By filing with the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights or through a separate legal action, you can empower yourself.
The dedicated Kentucky harassment and employment lawyers at Abney Law are ready to speak with you and help you file a complaint. Schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys so we can begin to help right away.
Types of Workplace Harassment Claims in Kentucky
Harassment can include many types of negative and offensive conduct. It includes, but is not limited to:
- Verbal abuse
- Cyberbullying
- Hostile work environment
- Retaliation
- Physical harassment
- Racial, ethnic, or gender discrimination
- Personal harassment
One of the most serious forms of harassment is sexual harassment. Common examples include:
- Requests for sexual favors or quid pro quo
- Stalking
- Lewd gestures
- Unwanted physical touching or sexual advances
- Offensive remarks about a person’s sex or gender
- Threats of sexual violence
- Frequent sexual jokes
- Offensive or crude phrases and words
No matter what type of harassment you face, you could be entitled to file a claim. How to get started is often the most daunting part for many victims. With the right lawyer by your side, you can move forward with confidence and protect yourself from future harassment.
Time Deadlines in Kentucky Harassment Claims
There are many different time deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, in harassment claims. Which time limit applies to you will depend on the specific facts of your situation and what legal option you pursue. In all cases, the advice is the same: do not wait. Some claims must be filed within just a few months, so waiting could mean you are unable to pursue a perfectly valid claim.
Statutes of limitations set hard deadlines on when you must report workplace harassment. If you go past this deadline, your case will be dismissed, even if you otherwise would have been successful.
Harassment Claims at Work
Workplace harassment incidents are usually reported to the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. You can also file with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission which operates under federal anti-harassment laws. The two agencies often act concurrently for purposes of reporting, but your attorney can help with this process.
For most harassment cases, the filing deadline is 180 calendar days from the date the offending conduct took place. As you can see, this is a short time in which to report what happened. Certain time limits may be extended to 300 days, but only if appropriate under federal and state law. Please do not assume that the longer time period applies, as it might not. Your attorney can help determine the appropriate statute of limitations period in your case.
Filing Other Claims
Workplace harassment occurs in many different ways. As a result, there are several legal avenues you might pursue that are customized to that type of harassment. This may include civil cases against the perpetrator or your employer for compensation. It might also include criminal charges against the perpetrator.
These claims have different time limits than filing with the governmental agencies. Speak with your Kentucky workplace harassment attorney about time limits in your case.
Learn How To File a Kentucky Harassment Complaint
Dealing with harassment is already stressful and even frightening. You have the right to consult an attorney and learn more about your rights. We can help you negotiate a potential resolution to the harassment and file a complaint whenever necessary. Our team goes to bat for you to ensure you are protected under the law.Let the experienced employment law attorneys at Abney Law help you fight back against workplace harassment. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.