What are the advantages or disadvantages of filing a sexual harassment lawsuit?
A sexual harassment claim, like most other lawsuits, can take years to wind through the overburdened court system. Cases that reach the U.S. Supreme Court may be six or seven years old, and the actual facts of the case may have occurred as long as 10 years ago. These cases also can be extremely costly and emotionally draining for the plaintiff. Filing a sexual harassment lawsuit can be an extremely courageous act. If you are seeking damages for pain and suffering, you may be opening the door to questions from opposing attorneys about your emotional life. Under the Civil Rights Act of 1991, victims of sexual harassment are entitled to damages for pain and suffering as well as any lost pay. Some women who have sued — even if they had to move on in their careers – say the message sent was worth the struggle. — Diane Freeman is a former newspaper reporter and freelance writer in Louisville, Colorado. Further Resources Women’s Rights at Work, part of Citizen Action of New York 518/465-460
