If you have been sexually assaulted, you may be able to take action against your attacker in civil court as well as criminal court. Seek advice from a personal injury attorney who knows how to protect your rights. Do not delay. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with an attorney.
An Experienced Attorney for
Sexual Assault Victims in Central Texas
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse, the Law Office of Robert D. Kizer is a safe, supportive place where you can find legal help from an experienced lawyer — and resources to help you move past the abuse and start living a happier, healthier life. To arrange a free, confidential consultation about your case, contact us online or call our Austin law offices directly at either 512-551-1018 or 888-724-8710.
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At the Law Office of Robert D. Kizer , we help people who have been abused or assaulted by sexual predators in central Texas. Our attorney and staff are dedicated to this cause and will work hard to achieve the best possible results on your behalf. Call or contact our firm in Austin today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
You couldn't do anything to stop it then. It wasn't your fault. There is something you can do today. Call the Law Office of Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, at either 512-551-1018 or 888-724-8710. You can also fill out the brief form provided on the Contact Us page and our lawyer will be in touch with you shortly.
Workplace Sexual Assault
A victim of workplace sexual assault may be able to file a claim against his or her employer. Depending on the circumstances, one or more types of legal actions may be appropriate. For example, the employer may be liable for creating unsafe or dangerous conditions by failing to use adequate lighting or maintain locks or security systems. The employer also may be liable for creating or permitting a hostile work environment. If you or someone close to you has suffered a workplace sexual assault, an attorney from Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, can help you determine how to proceed under Texas and federal laws.
Sexual Harassment and Employer Liability
"Hostile work environment" harassment occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct that is severe or pervasive unreasonably interferes with an employee's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment environment.
"Quid pro quo" sexual harassment happens when sexual favors are demanded in return for favorable employment treatment such as a promotion, raise or other benefit. Quid pro quo harassment also occurs when the harasser threatens to fire, demote or otherwise negatively affect the employee if he or she does not go along with the demands.
An employer may be held responsible for the acts of its employees. The employer can be liable for quid pro quo sexual harassment by a supervisor even if the employer had no knowledge of the harassment. Employers, however, generally are liable for hostile work environment sexual harassment only when they were aware — or should have been aware — of the harassment.
The employer also may be legally responsible for negligent hiring. If an employee who committed a sexual assault had a history of such offenses and the employer should have known that the employee was unsuitable, the employer could be liable to the assault victim.
Consequences of a Workplace Assault
For someone who was assaulted by a coworker or supervisor, the consequences of the crime can be serious. The victim may no longer feel physically safe at work and may fear retaliation by the assailant or the employer if he or she reports the assault. As a result, the victim may quit the job or have attendance problems.
If the assault was the result of a hostile work environment or caused a hostile environment for the victim, the employer should cooperate in fixing the situation. Possible remedies include removing the perpetrator from the workplace and implementation of a functional sexual harassment policy. An experienced attorney can help the victim work with the employer to create a safe atmosphere at the job.
Speak with an Attorney
If you were sexually assaulted while you were working, you may be able to hold your employer and the perpetrator legally responsible. You also may have other avenues for seeking compensation, including state victims' funds. Under certain circumstances, you could be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, medical bills and lost wages through workers' compensation insurance. An attorney from Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, can help you sort through the options and choose the one that's best for you.
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