Are you a nurse that was sexually harassed by a doctor? If so, it is important that you understand that you could have the right to file a claim. A nurse that is being sexually harassed by a doctor has legal rights and protections.
The impact of a nurse being sexually harassed by a doctor goes beyond discomfort or embarrassment. Sexual harassment can affect mental health, job performance, career advancement, and personal safety. Our firm has decades of experience and has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for nurses and other workers dealing with sexual harassment to speak up, especially when the harasser holds a position of authority.
If you are interested in learning more about the legal options available to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to our firm as soon as possible. Our lawyers are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to fight for your rights after being sexually harassed on the job. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with the team here at California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group, contact our team today.
Sexual Harassment is Common in Healthcare
In general, the medical field operates within strict hierarchies. Doctors often have supervisory power; they have influence over work schedules, evaluations, and even career opportunities. Unfortunately, this creates a power imbalance that can be abused. Nurses experiencing any sexual harassment by doctors may fear retaliation, damage to their professional reputation, loss of opportunities, loss of employment, and more. These are all real fears, so it is common for nurses to never come forward and report the sexual harassment that they have experienced.
Examples of Sexual Harassment by a Doctor
Although sexual harassment can be physical, sexual harassment does not always include physical contact. Under employment law, sexual harassment can include any unwanted conduct that creates either a hostile or intimidating work environment. Examples may include the following:
- Sexual comments/jokes
- Any inappropriate touching or brushing up against the body
- Any requests for sexual favors
- Repeated comments about the nurses’ looks or body
- Explicit messages, including texts, emails, photos, etc.
- Threats or promises related to job benefits
- And more
Nurses are Vulnerable to Sexual Harassment at the Hands of Doctors
Nurses often face unique challenges in terms of workplace harassment, especially when the harassment comes from doctors. Some of the reasons for this vulnerability can include the following:
- Power imbalance (doctors having influence over work assignments, performance reviews, supervision, etc.)
- Work culture (inappropriate behavior being normalized)
- Fear of retaliation (demotions, schedule changes, hostile treatment, termination, etc.)
If you are a nurse that experienced sexual harassment by a doctor, it is important that you understand that you have rights. There are legal protections in place that every worker should be familiar with.
Your Rights Under Employment Law
Nurses, and other employees, have the right to the following:
- A workplace free from sexual harassment
- Report harassment without retaliation
- File complaints about harassment both internally or externally
- Pursue legal action when there is misconduct
All employers, including hospitals, clinics, and medical groups, have a duty to prevent and address harassment in the workplace. If they fail to keep their workplace free of harassment, then they can be sued by employees.
More specifically, employees subject to sexual harassment on the job could have the right to file a complaint with state and federal employment agencies, such as the DFEH and EEOC, respectively. When you file a complaint with an employment agency, the agency will investigate the situation and, if violations are found, will take action against the employer. Of course, you could also pursue a lawsuit directly against your employer.
If you decide to pursue a lawsuit against your employer, you could be eligible to recover compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages, legal fees, and more. To ensure that you have a thorough understanding of your rights and legal options available if you are subject to sexual harassment, it is important that you reach out to our experienced sexual harassment lawyers as soon as possible.
¿Qué tengo que hacer?
No matter the specific options that you are considering, you should do the following:
- Document everything, including the dates and times that the sexual harassment occurred as well as the locations of each incident and what was said or done. You should also keep note of any witnesses to the instances of harassment.
- Collect evidence, including emails, messages, texts, written notes, or voicemails
- Report the inappropriate conduct to the HR department
- Seek legal help as soon as possible
If you find yourself unsure of what you should do, please do not hesitate to reach out to our lawyers as soon as possible. Our team is fully committed to guiding you every step of the way.
How the California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group Can Help You!
Our team has decades of experience and is fully committed to helping nurses and other employees who have been subject to sexual harassment in the workplace. No matter the specific details surrounding the sexual harassment that you suffered on the job, it is important that you know that you could have rights. Here at our firm, our team is committed to fighting for your rights and helping you secure the best claim outcome possible.
Our firm offers free case evaluations, which include free consultations and free second opinions. Whether you are looking to explore the legal options to start a claim or you are looking to change representation after starting your claim with the help of another lawyer, we can help you. During these free legal services, our team will be available to answer all your questions, address your concerns, and ensure that you have access to all the information that you need. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact our team today.
Garantía de tarifa cero: you will never be required to pay any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. In addition, our firm works on a strict contingency basis, meaning that you will not be responsible for paying anything whatsoever if your claim is not successful. If you do not win, you will not pay anything.
If you are ready to speak with our lawyers experienced in nurse sexual harassment claims, contact us today.
