According to Michigan law, sexual harassment is defined as the unwanted conduct which is of a sexual nature, and includes both verbal advances and physical acts Employers are most often involved in the following types of sexual harassment acts: demanding sexual favors in exchange for promotions, creating a sexually offensive work environment, and making sexual advances.

How does Michigan Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, Ottawa County employers can be required to establish company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the procedure for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.

There are also agencies which are appointed by federal and Michigan law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Ottawa County are true. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a Michigan attorney help?

Investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. It's fairly common for federal officials who investigate these matters to be overworked. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Ottawa County can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Michigan has defined.