Sexual abuse and harassment at work is a serious violation that no one should have to endure. It can take a toll on your emotional well-being, career, and sense of safety. No one should have to suffer in silence, and no one should have to face this kind of injustice alone.
At Cooper Elliott, we believe that acknowledging what happened is the first step toward healing. Our team of sexual abuse lawyers in Cincinnati fights for survivors and holds abusers and employers accountable. We work hard to achieve your vision of justice and help you regain peace of mind.
We have served hundreds of clients over the past 30 years and collectively bring 100–plus years of experience to every case. If you or a loved one has been abused at work, our Cincinnati workplace sexual abuse lawyer can help you take legal action. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Does Sexual Abuse That Occurs in the Workplace Mean?
Sexual abuse in the workplace involves any unwelcome sexual behavior that creates a toxic or unsafe work environment. Anyone can experience this treatment, which happens to adults and minors. No matter who experiences it, it is never the survivor’s fault.
Examples of sexual coercion in the workplace include:
- Unwanted touching: Any form of physical contact that is inappropriate or unwelcome
- Coerced sexual acts: When an employer or coworker pressures or forces someone into unwanted sexual behavior
- Sexual harassment: This includes inappropriate jokes, comments, gestures, or emails
- Retaliation for saying no: Being punished, demoted, or fired for rejecting advances or reporting abuse
- Abuse of power: Supervisors or employers using their position to manipulate, pressure, or exploit workers
Any form of sexual mistreatment that creates a hostile or unsafe workplace falls is abuse. This abuse can happen anywhere—in offices, warehouses, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and more. It affects survivors across ages, including minors who may be working in their first jobs.
For a free legal consultation with a workplace sexual abuse lawyer serving Cincinnati, call 614-481-6000
Our Cincinnati Workplace Sexual Abuse Attorneys Fight for Survivors’ Rights
At Cooper Elliott, we don’t just fight for justice—we help survivors move forward. Sexual abuse that happens at work is unacceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Our role is to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you seek justice in a way that works best for you. Seeking justice for employment-related sexual abuse can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here for you.
When our personal injury lawyers in Cincinnati represent you, we offer:
- Legal guidance: We explain your rights in clear, simple terms. We will also tell you what your legal options are and how we can lead your case.
- Investigating the case: Our team will collect case-supporting evidence and talk with witnesses to document their accounts of what happened as we build your case.
- Holding employers accountable: If a company ignored complaints or allowed abuse to continue, we fight to ensure they take responsibility.
- Seeking damages: Survivors could seek financial damages for pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, medical costs, therapy expenses, and lost income.
- Providing support: We understand the emotional weight of these cases. We handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.
We understand how challenging the recovery process can be, so we will support you as you move forward. Leave the stress and legal tasks to us. We will protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard. Call for a free consultation where you can talk to us about your situation privately.
Cincinnati Workplace Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 614-481-6000
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Workplace Sexual Abuse?
More than one party can be legally responsible for workplace sexual abuse. Depending on the situation, those who may be liable include:
- The abuser: The person committing the abuse should be held accountable for their actions.
- The employer: If a company ignored reports of abuse, failed to protect employees, or created an unsafe work environment, they may be responsible.
- Third parties: Contractors, clients, or others who engaged in misconduct while interacting with employees can be held responsible.
Our sexual abuse lawyer for Cincinnati workers fights to hold all responsible parties accountable. Survivors deserve justice, and employers should never turn a blind eye to abuse.
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Legal Options Survivors Have to Fight Back Against Abuse
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual misconduct in the workplace, legal action can help bring justice and prevent future harm. Survivors may have options such as:
- Filing a lawsuit: Civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek damages for the harm they have suffered.
- Filing an employment claim: If workplace policies were violated, you can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a similar agency.
- Pursuing a criminal case: In cases involving assault or abuse, criminal charges may be filed against the abuser.
Our team will guide you through the best path forward based on your circumstances.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
We Must Meet Ohio’s Filing Deadlines for Abuse-Related Cases
If you want to pursue legal action for sexual abuse that occurred at work, you must understand Ohio’s statute of limitations. The time you have to file depends on the kind of case you pursue:
- Civil lawsuits against the abuser or employer: Survivors of sexual abuse in Ohio generally have up to 12 years from the date of the abuse to file a lawsuit under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.111.
- Employment claims: If your case involves workplace harassment or discrimination, you may have only 180 days to file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) or 300 days to file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
If you are unsure how much time you have, speaking with our Cincinnati employment sexual abuse lawyer can help protect your legal rights. Missing a deadline could mean losing the chance to take action against those responsible for the harm you suffered.
What to Do if You Experience Sexual Abuse at Work
If you experience sexual abuse at your job, knowing what to do next can be difficult. Your safety and well-being come first. Here are some steps that may help:
- Get to a safe space: If you don’t feel safe, remove yourself as quickly as you can. Get help from a colleague, friend, or family member you trust.
- Document the incident: The more detailed your account is, the better. Write down the dates, times, places, and any witnesses to the abuse. Keep written communications, such as emails, text messages, and other evidence that supports your account of events.
- Formally report the incident: If you feel comfortable, report the abuse to your employer, human resources (HR), or a supervisor. If your employer is involved or does not take action, seeking legal help may be the next step.
- Seek emotional support: Unlawful sexual abuse at work can be traumatic. Consider speaking with a mental health professional or a support group.
- Understand your legal options: We will help you understand your rights and decide on which action to take next. You could file a claim against your employer or the abuser.
No one should have to experience sexual abuse at work. If you or a loved one has been affected, legal action may be an option to seek justice and hold the proper parties accountable.
Our Cincinnati Workplace Sexual Misconduct Lawyers Will Help You
We know how tough it can be to take legal action after experiencing sexual abuse at work. Many survivors worry about speaking out, fear retaliation, or feel unsure of what steps to take. We want you to know that you are not alone.
Our workplace sexual abuse lawyers in Cincinnati are committed to making the legal process as smooth as possible. We will handle the tough conversations with employers, insurance companies, and other parties so that you don’t have to.
Justice is about more than just winning a case—it’s about making sure you feel heard, supported, and empowered. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today for a free consultation.
Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
