Were You the Victim of Sexual Assault While at Work in Florida? Know Your Rights

Were you the victim of sexual violence in the workplace in Florida? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your health, your emotional well-being, and your legal rights. Sexual assault victims need justice and financial support. Here, our West Palm Beach sexual assault lawyer explains your rights and options if you were assaulted while on the job.

You Have the Right to Report the Incident to Your Employer and to Law Enforcement 

Sexual assault is a crime in Florida—and a very serious one at that. A person who commits an act of sexual assault can be arrested and charged with a felony offense. As the victim of sexual abuse in the workplace, you have the right to report the matter. A workplace sexual assault can and should be reported both to your employer and to law enforcement. If you have any questions about how to go about reporting sexual misconduct, an attorney for victims can help.

Note: Florida law protects workplace sexual misconduct victims. An employer should not take adverse action against a worker who reports that he or she was the victim of sexual assault. If an employer does punish a victim, it could face liability for unlawful retaliation.

You Have the Right to File for Workers’ Compensation (Physical and Psychological Injuries) 

In Florida, a workplace sexual assault may fall under workers’ comp law. Depending on the specific situation, the victim may be entitled to no-fault workers’ comp benefits for both their physical injuries and psychological injuries (mental distress). If you were sexually assaulted at work, you should consider filing for workers’ compensation benefits as the starting foundation of your broader claims. A West Palm Beach civil sexual assault attorney can help you navigate the process.

 You Have the Right to File a Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit

 Sexual assault can give rise to a civil legal claims. In some cases, the victim of a workplace sexual assault in Florida may have multiple civil claims. You should consult with an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can help you evaluate every potential path towards bringing a civil claim. Along with other parties, workplace sexual assault victims may have a claim against:

• The Perpetrator: The perpetrator can and should be held criminally responsible for a sexual assault. In some cases, it may also be advisable to bring a civil lawsuit against them personally.
• An Employer: Your employer may potentially bear liability for a workplace sexual assault. These cases can fall under a combination of employment law, personal injury law, and workers’ comp law. An attorney can help.
• Negligent Third Parties: Third parties—such as contractor, a property owner, or other business—could also be liable for a workplace sexual assault if their negligence contributed to the incident.

 Contact Our West Palm Beach Sexual Assault Attorney for Victims Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach sexual assault lawyer fights tirelessly for justice for victims. If you or your loved one was sexually assaulted while on the job, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case review. With an office in West Palm Beach and an office in Miami, we fight for the rights of victims all across South Florida.