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If you are a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you may be entitled to financial compensation and other remedies. But to assert your legal rights effectively, you will need proof that you were sexually harassed. While you can (and should) hire an experienced Maryland employment lawyer to collect proof for you, there are also some steps that you should take to document what you experienced, if possible.
7 Steps Employees Can Take to Document Sexual Harassment at Work
Here are seven steps that employees in Maryland can take to document sexual harassment at work:
1. Take Detailed Notes About What Happened
If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, you should take detailed notes about what happened. Describe each incident or encounter with as much detail as possible—including the individual (or individuals) involved. While this can be difficult, it is important to create a record of what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind.
2. Write Down the Names of Any Witnesses
Along with taking detailed notes about what happened, you should also write down the names of any witnesses. This includes the names of any coworkers who were present when you were harassed; any coworkers or supervisors who were copied on harassing emails, messages, or texts; and any coworkers whom you confided in after your ordeal. If necessary, these individuals may be able to provide sworn statements that confirm your version of the events.
3. Preserve Any Relevant Emails, Messages, or Texts
If you received any harassing emails, direct messages, or texts, you should preserve these so that you can share them with your Maryland employment lawyer. You can print copies, take screenshots, or take photos with your phone—whatever makes the most sense under the circumstances at hand.
If you received any communications from your supervisor or coworkers after you were sexually harassed, you should preserve copies of these as well.
4. File a Sexual Harassment Complaint (and Keep a Copy for Your Records)
Once you have taken detailed notes and preserved any relevant communications, you should file a sexual harassment complaint with your employer (or have your lawyer file a complaint for you). If you file a complaint yourself, be as accurate, thorough, and detailed as possible, and be sure to keep a copy for your records.
5. Keep Taking Notes About Any Relevant Developments
As you work to move forward, you should keep taking notes about any relevant developments. Promptly write down the details of any relevant conversations, and keep saving copies of relevant emails, messages, and texts. If you notice that you are being treated differently at work, if you receive an unfavorable reassignment, or if you experience any other form of employment-related retaliation, you should take detailed notes about this as well.
6. Keep Any Relevant Employment Records
In this same vein, you should keep any relevant employment records you receive from your employer. Along with prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace, Maryland and federal laws prohibit retaliation against victims who speak out as well. As a result, if you experience retaliation, this could provide additional grounds to hold your employer accountable.
7. Hire a Lawyer to Investigate
If you have a sexual harassment claim against your employer, you should hire a lawyer to investigate promptly. Your lawyer may be able to gather various additional forms of evidence that he or she can use to prove what happened and who was involved. Your lawyer will also be able to walk you through any additional steps you may be able to take in order to document your claim based on the specific circumstances at hand.
Additionally, once your lawyer informs your employer that you are considering legal action, your employer will be required to preserve any relevant communications and other records it has in its possession. As your case moves forward, you will be entitled to obtain copies of these records if you need them to prove that you are a victim of workplace sexual harassment.
Discuss Your Sexual Harassment Case with an Experienced Maryland Employment Lawyer in Confidence
If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in Maryland, we encourage you to contact us promptly so that we can help you protect your legal rights. To discuss your case with an experienced Maryland employment lawyer at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford in confidence as soon as possible, call us at 410-514-6099 or tell us how we can get in touch online now.