Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania

Can I sue? What are my rights?

Two days ago, as I was performing my job duties as a cashier, another employee I was standing with looked into my short sleeved shirt and said ''Ew! You have hairy armpits''. I said ''And whats wrong with that''? She then walked right over to the supervisor on duty and another employee and told them that I have the hairiest armpits she has ever seen. I tried to defend myself telling them that I do not have time to shave alot of the time, and that since it is winter time, that it is not my #1 priority. I was then asked ''Isn't your husband bothered by that?'' She also mentioned this to her boyfriend who walked up to us a few minutes later and also said it loud enough for customers to hear, causing the customer in my line to giggle. Also as I was doing some shopping after work before going home, she was in another part of the store with at least 5 other employees talking. As I was walking past, I heard her telling these people about my armpits which made them turn around and look at me, which made me feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed. I feel very humiliated. Before I started this job, I had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and take meds to treat it. Now with the situation at work,it makes it worse. What can I do?


Asked on 12/26/05, 2:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Can I sue? What are my rights?

Yes you can sue. People are free to sue for anything. But what do you want to sue for? What were your damages? Lawsuits are a matter to resolve damages, whichs means money. How much money has this action cost you? Have you lost time from work? Have you been sent running back to the thereapist? And for that matter what percentage could we prove is from the actions and what percentage is from the prior condition?

Moreover, who do you want to sue? An employee at that place likely has no more money than you, what cause do you have against anyone with more money. Has the employer's management failed to do anything? Have you told the management or the other employees that you find such actions objectionable or hostile?

Roegr Traversa

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Answered on 12/26/05, 12:56 pm


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