Albuquerque Sexual Assault In The Workplace Lawyers
Sexual assault in the workplace creates a hostile environment that violates your fundamental rights and dignity as an employee. When coworkers, supervisors and customers commit workplace assault, you deserve justice and compensation for the trauma you have endured.
At Ives & Flores, in Albuquerque, we fight aggressively for survivors of sexual assault in the workplace throughout New Mexico. Our caring and skilled attorneys bring more than 45 years of combined experience in holding employers accountable when they fail to protect their workers from sexual violence.
Understanding Sexual Assault In The Workplace
Sexual assault in the workplace encompasses any unwanted sexual contact that occurs in a business setting, including offices, retail locations, restaurants, health care facilities and other employment environments. Unlike workplace sexual harassment, which may involve unwanted comments or advances, workplace assault involves physical sexual contact without consent.
Common forms of workplace assault include:
- Office sexual assault by supervisors and coworkers
- Retail worker assault by customers and managers
- Sexual assault during business travel and company events
- Assault in break rooms, storage areas and other isolated workplace locations
- Business setting assault involving vendors, contractors and clients
- Sexual assault by security guards and maintenance staff
- Assault during overnight shifts and after-hours work
Employers have a legal duty to maintain a safe workplace free from sexual violence. When they fail to implement proper safety measures, conduct background checks or respond appropriately to complaints, they can be held liable for sexual assault in the workplace. Many cases involve both criminal charges against the perpetrator and civil lawsuits against negligent employers.
How Can Employers Be Held Responsible For Workplace Sexual Assault?
Employers face legal responsibility for sexual assault in the workplace under various circumstances. If they knew or should have known about previous incidents involving the perpetrator, they may be liable for negligent supervision or retention. Companies that fail to implement adequate security measures, proper lighting and safe work environments can also face liability.
Civil rights attorney Laura Schauer Ives has secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for sexual assault survivors across New Mexico. She brings a unique combination of legal skill and genuine compassion to each case, always emphasizing to clients that survivors bear no responsibility for the crimes committed against them. Her approach focuses on empowering survivors while aggressively pursuing accountability from all responsible parties.
Employment law requires employers to investigate complaints of workplace sexual harassment and assault promptly and thoroughly. When companies ignore warning signs, fail to take corrective action or retaliate against survivors who report incidents, they violate federal and state civil rights laws. We pursue compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress and other damages resulting from workplace assault.
What Rights Do Workplace Assault Survivors Have?
Survivors of sexual assault in the workplace have multiple legal options available to seek justice and compensation. You can file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), pursue civil lawsuits against perpetrators and employers and seek criminal prosecution of the assailant. These processes can run simultaneously and address different aspects of your case.
Our survivor advocacy approach ensures that you receive comprehensive support throughout the legal process. We connect clients with trauma-informed counselors, support groups and other resources designed specifically for workplace assault survivors. Attorney Ives takes particular care to ensure that her clients receive the emotional support they need while we handle the legal complexities of their cases.
You also have the right to a workplace free from retaliation after reporting sexual assault. If your employer demotes, fires or otherwise punishes you for speaking out, we can pursue additional claims for wrongful termination and retaliation. Our lawyers understand that reporting workplace assault takes courage, and we work tirelessly to protect your job and your rights throughout the process.
You Are Not Alone. Contact Us To Get Justice.
If you have experienced sexual assault in the workplace, you have rights that deserve protection and enforcement. Our civil rights attorneys stand ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve while holding negligent employers accountable. Contact Ives & Flores, by calling 505-364-3858 or by completing our online form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout New Mexico and are dedicated to helping survivors of workplace assault rebuild their lives.