Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Pennsylvania

Re: reporting sexual discrimination and then treated differently

The first thing you have to know about discrimination claims is that you only have 180 days from the time of the discrimination (in your case harassment) to file a claim. If you wait beyond 180 days you will lose your ability to recover from your claim.

If you have been discriminated against you are entitled to receive (if you win) either lost wages (for being fired or not hired) from the time you were fired up to the time of trial, compensatory damages (for being discriminated against), possibly punitive damages (for punishing the company), court costs and money for your attorneys' fees.

In your situation it sounds like you would not be able to receive lost wages because you are still working there. But if they fire you because of this then you would be able to receive lost wages if the firing was because of the discrimination.

There is no required severance package a company has to give you. Essentially you can only recover what is listed above. There is a lot more to damages then can be written here and you need to consult an attorney ASAP.

As for costs, usually you can find an attorney who will take the matter on contigency. That means you owe the attorney nothing if you recover nothing. You may be required to pay for court costs and other expenses if you actually file a lawsuit. It depends on the attorney.

Call an attorney as soon as possible. Most attorneys, like myself, offer free consultations on employment discrimination cases.

Re: reporting sexual discrimination and then treated differently

It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment. You need have your situation reviewed by an attorney promptly. Most lawyers will handle a claim on a contingency basis at no cost to you. the amount of your recovery depends on the facts of the case but an attorney should be able to give you an idea of the possible results after an intitial consultation.

Feel free to call my office if you would like a consultation at no charge.