can my company be held liable for my continued harassment?

I have worked for the company for two years and suffer from continued harassment on many levels to the point where I don't know how much longer I can go on, with no help from the human resources dept. even though I continue to contact them they just brush everything under the rug to protect themselves.

2 answers  |  asked Jul 2, 2010 11:03 AM [EST] in Harassment  |  applies to Illinois

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Answers (2)

Kate Sedey
The answer to whether your company can be held liable for harassment depends upon a great number of factors, including the main factor of what the harassment is based on - as discussed in the answer above. It will also depend upon how extreme the harassment may be, who is doing the harassing, whether you've complained, and how your company has responded. If you'd like to call and give me more detail on your circumstances, I'd be happy to set up a consultation to help you determine your options. You can reach me at the number below.
Very truly yours,
Kate

Kate Sedey
Associate
The Case Law Firm LLC
150 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 800
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 920-0400 phone
(312) 920-0800 fax
ksedey@thecaselawfirm.com

posted by Kate Sedey  |  Jul 2, 2010 11:37 AM [EST]
John Otto
First of all, you have to be careful to specify what kind of harassment you're talking about. Harassment by itself -- because someone just doesn't like you, the people you work with are jerks, etc. -- is not illegal. The only kind of harassment that is actionable is harassment BECAUSE OF sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation and the other things specifically mentioned in the Human Rights Act, plus some miscellaneous additional things like retaliation for filing a workers compensation claim, for filing or helping someone with a discrimination claim, etc. If the harassment you are getting is actually illegal harassment (most isn't) then you need to immediately file a charge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. The reason you need to do it right away is because they can only go back 180 days (300 days if it's a federal violation) with some exceptions.

posted by John Otto  |  Jul 2, 2010 11:30 AM [EST]