I was recently forced to quit my job after filing a sexual harassment complaint against a coworker (he got to keep his job!). I want to file a lawsuit but since I am now unemployed it's unlikely I can afford an attorney. Any idea where I can find an attorney that might take my case pro bono or on a contigency basis or something? I definitely can't front any money for this. By the way, I live near Chicago, in case anyone might be familiar with any agencies or attorneys here that might be able to help? Anything would be appreciated. Thanks!
2006-09-07 15:10:16 · 10 answers · asked by ? 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I should also add too that I worked for a small private security company that does not have a legal dept. per se. Also, I quit my job because my boss was making my life a living hell, demoting me and forcing me to work a shift that conflicted with my school schedule. I know he did that because it would make me quit, and not have to find an excuse to fire me and have to pay for my unemployment. I'd say he won, because I could not allow myself to be degraded any longer.
2006-09-07 15:51:29 · update #1
http://www.lawyers.com/Illinois/Chicago/Thomas-A.-Demetrio-013A6BA1D10B3D-a.html
2006-09-07 15:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by chrissy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow! I would call my former employer and inform them of the laws on sexual harassment and reporting it. I am thinking that "forcing" you out of your job might be a little illegal. But I would call an attorney. I think you could get a free counceltation with an attorney, and find out what can be done. Some don't charge anything unless you win your case. You may be able to find one of those. Or contact the local BAR association - they more than likely have a list of lawyers that would take a case pro bono or that will work with your level of income.
2006-09-07 22:28:19 · answer #2 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ouch....whistle blowing and then made to pay the ultimate price for standing true to the laws of our society. That's just wrong and I am sorry you have gone through that.
More than likely you upset the balance of their perpindicular fulcrum by protecting your rights. Did the company keep you on until they concluded their investigation? If the investigation is still ongoing and you are "fired" because of it you absolutely have a case based on fair rights of workers. However....if you were let go for budgetary needs, pink slipped or laid off...unless you have proof of their actions being a direct result from the claim, there is a slim chance, but it is a chance.
I would talk to any and all lawyers possible and explain your case. Usually the initial sit in is free or atleast a reduced cost, unless the lawyer is some high muckity muck that has his name on the sign with 12 other ones.
in your case pro bono is definitely the way to go. But I wouldn't say those words when you first walk in. make an initial consult with the lawyer or lawyer's assistant and tell them everything you can think of, but do so in a way that you are unsure of your rights, play the ignorant worker card ...as much you can stand. And then finally explain that you have lost your job and feel black balled from your industry from this incident and can not find another job to replace your paycheck. And then let them bring up the question of how to pay for their services.
No one wants to hear anyone, especially a layman, tell them how to do their job.
2006-09-07 22:24:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow. You can probably get a lawyer to hear your story for free, because if you're right, he/she can make a ton of money on a lawsuit against your company.
However, companies have big legal departments that try to protect them from stupid decisions like firing people for complaining about sexual harassment, so more likely than not you were fired for a good reason.
If your story is true, then go see any lawyer and you'll get a nice settlement.
2006-09-07 22:13:58 · answer #4 · answered by duke6311 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you filed your complaint with the EEOC, they should be able to tell you if your case is strong enough for them to file charges against the company. You would also get reinstated and paid back loss wages from this.
I filed a discrimination against a company with the EEOC and my case went all the way. The company had to pay me $15,000 in lost wages fro wrongfully terminating me.
I never went back to work for them, but I loved the money.
2006-09-07 22:16:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advice is to speak to a lawyer and the best, most inexpensive way to do this is through Pre-Paid Legal Services. For more information visit the website below, and feel free to contact me through that site if you have further questions on how this service may be able to help you. I encourage you to find out what your rights and options are in this situation.
I wish you the best of luck.
http://www.getprotectedhere.com
2006-09-08 13:15:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming your compliant was legitimate, any competent attorney will collect their fee from your former employer. The local bar association should have an attorney referral service. Check the phone book.
2006-09-07 22:50:07 · answer #7 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you don't want your job back be careful your dispute doesn't follow you and inquire around about more liberal companies to work for.
2006-09-07 22:18:21 · answer #8 · answered by longroad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
see if you can get a lawyer to work for you pro bono
2006-09-07 22:12:20 · answer #9 · answered by Report Abuse 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try contacting the department of labor. Maybe they can help you.
2006-09-07 22:16:42 · answer #10 · answered by Jess H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋