Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Kentucky

Sexual harassment at work and retaliation

I wrote to you on September 22, 2008 in ref to a question I had because I was being sexually harassed at work. I was given a written warning on 12/10/2008 for excessive absenteeism and was told by my supervisor not to miss anymore days until after the first of the year. 6 days later I was fired because of the same thing I was given the written warning over. I had not missed anymore days after the warning. I was told I was fired because the Jailer decided the warning was not good enough. I feel this was in retaliation for the sexual harassment complaint I had filed with the Jailer in ref to a sub contractor that was building the new facility. I knew this would happen because I caused a ripple in the water. I have been looking over my shoulder ever since I filed the written complaint with him because the other females that it happened to were scared to do so for fear of losing their job. When the incident occured in September I also wrote the Governor in ref to things happening at the Detention center that were not on the up and up and when the Jail Inspectors started coming several times this month that is when I was fired. There are more people that have been fired because they reported questionable activities. What can I do now?


Asked on 12/19/08, 4:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas McAdam Thomas A. McAdam, III, Attorney

Re: Sexual harassment at work and retaliation

It is not possible to give you a clear legal answer to your inquiry without a more detailed evaluation of the facts of your case. From the facts you have presented, it appears that you and your co-workers have a good claim for damages against your former employer. It appears that the Jailer has not only committed or allowed acts of sexual harassment, but has also engaged in retaliatory conduct. These actions are in violation of both Kentucky state and U.S. federal laws, and, if so, gives you the right to sue for damages and punitive damages.

You are best advised to seek the services of a competent Kentucky attorney. If I can be of assistance to you and your co-workers, you can send me an email at this address:

[email protected]

Otherwise, you can telephone your local bar association for a referral, or can find a good lawyer on-line at the Kentucky Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service:

http://www.kybar.org/Default.aspx?tabid=291

Good luck!

Thomas A. McAdam, III

Attorney at Law

235 South Fifth Street

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Read more
Answered on 12/20/08, 3:39 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in Kentucky