Regional Medical Center Named in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
February 22nd, 2012
Posted in 
ANNISTON, AL – Regional Medical Center has been named in a lawsuit last week which claims an Anniston city councilman harassed an RMC employee.
RMC has a sexual harassment policy that prohibits sexually offensive jokes, the distribution of sexually offensive media, as well as bans supervisors from retaliating employees who report sexual harassment incidents. And it is these very policies that could protect the hospital from having to pay any settlements in the suit.
City Councilman David Dawson was named as the principal defendant in a lawsuit that was filed last week by Kay Dodd, an RMC employee, who alleges Dawson sexually harassed and assaulted her.
Dawson worked at Anniston Pathology Management Services, a pathology company that works closely with RMC. Dodd claims that Dawson made sexual jokes to her and discussed his personal sexual habits in bed with her. She also alleges Dawson gave her explicit greeting cards and ultimately assaulted her by straddling her in a chair and touching her inappropriately.
In addition, the lawsuit claims that RMC and Anniston Pathology displayed “thoughtlessness, heedlessness and lack of due care” by failing to respond to Dodd’s complaints. According to RMC’s sexual harassment policy, if the allegations are true, the hospital’s policy basically went out the window.
The lawsuit states that Dodd reported the sexual harassment to RMC but did not receive a call back from the hospital for four days. However, Dawson was banned from the hospital for two weeks with pay as a result of her complaint.
The hospital has yet to comment on the matter.
Sexual harassment can be as mild as a general lewd joke to as severe as rape or a physical attack, however, the important thing to remember about sexual harassment is that it is unwanted and unwelcome. Luckily, victims have a right to seek help. If you or someone you know is suffering because of a sexual offender, turn to a leading sexual harassment lawyer right away.
Sexual harassment lawyers ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice and see to it that you are compensated for your pain and suffering. You have a right to a workplace free of hostility and fear, and your sexual harassment lawyer will not rest until your workplace is safe once again.
Speak to a team of sexual harassment lawyers immediately to file a case.
Woman Sues Deceased Fashion Icon Bijan Over Alleged Sexual Harassment
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
It’s easy to say you were the victim of a sexual assault when the person you are accusing of said behavior is no longer around to share their side of the story. Perhaps this is why the deceased Beverly Hills fashion designer Bijan is being sued by his former assistant for sexual harassment. Whether the alleged victim is telling the truth or not, a court of law will have to decide.
Bijan, who was famously known for running “the most expensive [clothing] store in the world,” died last year, but not before outfitting some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the White House. Among Bijan’s fans are Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George W. Bush, and our current president, Barack Obama.
As notable as Bijan was, Brittany Anderson, claims there was a side to him that not many people knew about. Anderson claims the fashion icon was very sexual behind closed doors, often commenting on her “voluptuous figure” and telling her that he “wanted her sexually.”
Anderson claims she told Bijan she was in a relationship in hopes of curbing his sexual appetite, but instead, she alleges Bijan retaliated against her by demoting her.
Now, Anderson is suing for unspecified damages.
One would think that if these incidents did in fact occur, Anderson would have brought it to the attention of authorities while they were happening, instead of waiting for the alleged assailant to die before speaking up.
While this case is a little skeptical, there are several counts of sexual harassment happening all over the country right now. Many victims don’t even come forward because they are afraid that either the harassment will get worse or that nothing will be done to stop it. However, it is important for victims to know that help is available. Anyone who has suffered at the hands of a sexual predator should contact a sexual harassment lawyer immediately.
Sexual harassment lawyers protect your rights and ensure the offender is brought to justice. They will also see to it that you are compensated for your pain and suffering. Call today to schedule a consultation with a sexual harassment lawyer to fight for your rights and rid your workplace of hostility.
Casino Employee Fired After Bringing Up Sexual Harassment Incident
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
AUSTRALIA – A female casino executive that came forward with sexual harassment complaints has been fired.
The woman, who is one of two female employees at The Star casino who complained they were sexually harassed by its former managing director, Sid Vaikunta, was fired on Monday. She had been a senior human resources executive at the casino for over three years.
Vaikunta was actually removed from his position ”after his behaviour in a social work setting” on February 2 but returned to work this week. The incident prompted an investigation by the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority, which was not informed of Vaikunta’s removal before a review of the casino’s license was concluded in December.
The casino argues it had no obligation to report the ”complaints” and informed the authority as soon as its own investigation into the incidents was complete.
Allegedly, the victim complained to casino management about Vaikunta’s behavior after he made sexually suggestive comments to her. This particular sexual harassment incident occurred just a short time after another female casino employee complained of harassment at a function late last year.
The victim did not file a formal complaint about the harassment, but the incident was included in the casino’s internal investigation of Vaikunta. She was placed on stress leave since Vaikunta’s dismissal was announced and upon returning to work on Monday, she was told she was fired.
The victim believes she was fired as a result of coming forward with information about Vaikunta.
This is just the most recent termination of an employee related to sexual harassment allegations at The Star, even though the casino has previously said it maintains a ”zero tolerance” policy for “for any breach of our code of conduct, particularly any form of inappropriate conduct, no matter at what level it occurs.”
If you have been targeted by a sexual offender, seek the help of a sexual harassment lawyer immediately. Sexual harassment lawyers will fight for your rights and ensure those who engaged in inappropriate and unwanted sexual conduct with you are brought to justice.
Contact a team of sexual harassment lawyers today to discuss your options and file a claim.
Chicago bar named in sexual harassment lawsuit
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
CHICAGO, IL – A sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against a Chicago sports bar.
Nineteen female employees of the Tilted Kilt, a bar known for having servers wear revealing outfits, have filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the establishment.
The women allege one of the restaurant’s managers and owners created a “sexually hostile, offensive, humiliating and degrading work environment” that was “frequent, severe, ongoing and lasted for the duration of the plaintiffs’ employment.”
According to the plaintiffs, the manager also retaliated against victims who complained by giving them unfavorable shifts.
The lawsuit also names franchiser Tilted Kilt Franchise Operating LLC. as a defendant in the case.
Kristin Cronhardt, marketing vice president for the franchiser, said employees are all trained on proper corporate standards, including sexual harassment.
“For this reason, and others, we intend to file a motion to dismiss the complaint as to TKFO LLC,” said Cronhardt. “We are working alongside our franchisee to determine whether its former employee who is accused of the misconduct alleged in the complaint violated our zero tolerance policy and our franchisee’s obligations to us under its franchise agreement to operate its franchised location in compliance with the laws.”
The women are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
At this very moment, there are hundreds of victims being sexually harassed at work and although some of them come forward for help, nothing is done to stop the perpetrator. If you have been victimized by a sexual offender, it is important for you to know that help is available. Turn to a leading sexual harassment lawyer right away to ensure that your rights are protected.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to ensure the perpetrator is stopped and brought to justice. They will also make sure you are compensated for your pain and suffering. Sexual harassment lawyers care about your needs and understand how difficult it is to cope with unwanted sexual advances or conduct. They will stop at nothing to get you the money damages and lost wages you deserve for what has been done to you.
Turn to a skilled team of sexual harassment lawyers right away to rid your workplace of fear and hostility and protect your rights.
Sexual harassment trial for Alabama State University begins
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
ALABAMA – Trial has begun for a former Alabama State University employee who has been accused of sexual harassment.
The accused is an African-American female who was an administrator at the school. She allegedly used racial slurs frequently and would make inappropriate comments about other female employees at work.
Cynthia Williams, former ASU marketing and communications director, was one of two witnesses who testified in the sexual and racial harassment trail on Wednesday. The lawsuit was initially filed in March 2010 by Williams, Jacqueline Weatherly and Lydia Burkhalter and the trial began on Tuesday with jury selection before moving on to testimony Wednesday.
Williams claims that she and Burkhalter worked in an office with LaVonnette Bartley, who was accused of the racial and sexual harassment. She said she was fired after complaining about Bartley’s behavior, which included pressing her breasts against her back when Williams was sitting down as well as pressing her leg against Williams’.
Williams also claims Bartley would talk about Burkhalter’s body, referring to her breasts as “melons” and her buttocks as “two big Christmas hams.” She also claims Bartley asked Burkhalter to strip so she could see her tattoos.
In addition, Williams said Bartley would use the N-word on a regular basis.
Sexual harassment is unacceptable, regardless of what each individual case entails. While most sexual harassment occurs between a man and a woman, women can be the offenders as well. If you or someone you know has been harassed at work, contact a leading sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case.
You have a right to a workplace free of hostility and fear, and your sexual harassment lawyer will ensure it is secured for you. Your paralegal will stop at nothing to make sure the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions and will also ensure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering.
Whether the harassment you suffered was mild, such as overhearing general lewd jokes, or severe, such as being touched inappropriately, you have a right to seek help. Contact a skilled team of sexual harassment lawyers to discuss your options and file a case right away.
French filmmaker accused of sexual harassment
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
ISRAEL – Claude Lanzmann, the director of Shoah, was detained at Israel’s Ben-Gurion airport after allegedly sexually harassing a female security agent on Tuesday night.
Lanzmann allegedly tried to kiss the security officer who took him to a ticket counter and the incident apparently “took her by surprise.”
The sexual harassment incident took place before Lanzmann’s flight back to Paris from Ben-Gurion airport. Ben Gurion has strict security checks and Lanzmann was held for questioning before being allowed to board his plane home.
The 86 year-old filmmaker recently released The Karski Report, a 49-minute cinematic essay that centers on resistance fighter Jan Karski. It was made from never-before-seen footage from Shoah.
Sexual harassment is a serious crime, regardless of the individual details of each incident. Sexual harassment can be anything from a lewd sexual joke to a proposition for sex in exchange for benefits to an extreme physical attack. Unfortunately though, many sexual harassment victims keep quiet about the harassment out of fear that the unwanted conduct will get worse due to harasser retaliation or because they are embarrassed to discuss what has been going on. What victims may not know is that they have rights. If you or someone you know has been victimized by a sexual perpetrator, speak to a sexual harassment lawyer right away for assistance.
Sexual harassment lawyers make it their mission to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Whether the incident was mild or severe, turn to a top paralegal to protect your rights. You may be entitled to thousands, or even millions of dollars in compensation and lost wages for your pain and suffering, and your sexual harassment lawyer will make sure you obtain the full spectrum of benefits you deserve.
Sexual harassment of any kind is unwelcome and creates an environment of fear for the victim. No one should have to suffer in a hostile work environment. Speak to a skilled sexual harassment lawyer right away to ensure that the sexual behavior stops immediately and never happens again.
Call today to schedule a meeting with a leading sexual harassment lawyer near you to fight for your rights.
Yale investigated after 52 counts of sexual harassment revealed
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
CONNECTICUT – Yale University is under federal investigation after reports reveal that there have been 52 sexual harassment incidents between July and December of 2011.
The school’s sexual harassment policies are currently being investigated by federal officials.
The 52 complaints include incidents from lewd remarks to rape. A report detailing all the incidents was made public yesterday.
The U.S. Department of Education’s investigation began following a complaint filed by a group of students and alumni in March. The complaint alleged that the university allowed for a hostile environment toward women.
The charge was revisited last week when it was revealed that Patrick Witt, a football player and candidate for a Rhodes scholarship, was accused of sexual harassment.
“The number of complaints of sexual misconduct brought forward and outlined in the report is a matter of deep concern,” said Yale President Richard Levin. “Even though only a very small fraction of our campus population is alleged to be violating our policies, our aspiration must be to raise the bar so that no one believes that sexual misconduct is acceptable and all act accordingly.”
The report shows 14 complaints of sexual assault and 29 of sexual harassment. Nine faculty and staff members have been accused of sexual harassment and one was accused of assault.
Sexual harassment is in direct violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits any behavior that creates a hostile work environment. If you or someone you know has been victimized by a sexual offender, speak to a leading team of sexual harassment lawyers right away to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.
As a sexual harassment victim, you may be entitled to thousands of dollars in damages for your pain and suffering, and your sexual harassment lawyer will ensure you obtain the maximum possible compensation you deserve. Sexual harassment lawyers dedicate themselves to fighting for your rights and will make sure that your harasser is held accountable for their actions.
Contact a top sexual harassment lawyer right away to file a claim.
Why Sexual Harassment Victims Should Never Keep Quiet
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
While sexual harassment is a direct violation of a person’s right to a workplace free of discrimination and hostility, an alarming number of cases go unreported due to several reasons. For one, victims are usually women who fear that if they come forward, their male harassers will retaliate with increased aggression and hostility. As a result, they remain quiet and continue to endure the mistreatment without saying a word to anyone.
Unfortunately, harassers rarely cease their behavior unless something drastic is done about the situation. Not coming forward will only exacerbate the degree of the incidents and their frequency, possibly even leading the perpetrator to take another victim since they got away with their conduct the first time around.
What victims don’t know is that they are protected against any form of retaliation, either by the offender himself or by company personnel or management. An employee who has been victimized by a sexual offender may not lose their job, be denied a raise or promotion, or have their position affected in any way after coming forth with sexual harassment complaints.
Another reason why victims often keep the sexual harassment a secret is because they are embarrassed. Harassment of any kind is debilitating and lowers one’s self esteem. However, victims need not be embarrassed because sexual harassment can happen to anyone of any age, race or sexual orientation. By coming forward, victims are ensuring that the perpetrator is stopped once and for all, an act of courage, not cowardice.
Victims of sexual harassment never have to feel alone. Help is always available and victims have rights they should fight for. If you or someone you know has been hurt by a sexual offender, contact a sexual harassment lawyer right away to file a claim.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to bring the perpetrator to justice and will get you the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Your paralegal will always stand by your side and ensure your case is resolved with the best possible outcome.
Contact a leading team of sexual harassment lawyers right now to put an end to the unwanted sexual conduct.
Sexual harassment victim sues city after claiming former city manager disclosed confidential information
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
A police records clerk that previously accused former Brigantine Police Chief Jim Frugoli of sexual harassment has filed a new claim, stating the former city manager violated a confidentiality clause by speaking to the media about the harassment.
Felix, Frugoli, and the former city manager, Jim Barber, signed a settlement on March 30, 2010 in which “the parties agree not to disclose or discuss the existence of facts of the Personnel Matter to any third party unless compelled to do so by an order of law.”
In a new complaint, Felix is stating that Barber violated their agreement by speaking to the press in April 2010 about the sexual harassment.
The complaint states that Barber “(did) not only disclose the ‘existence’ of the personnel matter, he did in fact specifically comment on its alleged result,” which was “in direct contradiction to the actual findings of that investigation.”
Felix is now seeking damages based on emotional stress associated with the disclosure of the information as well as the harassment itself.
However, Barber claims he was referring to a different situation when he was speaking with the press.
A hearing date has not yet been scheduled.
Sexual harassment is a serious crime that violates a person’s right to a safe and hostility-free workplace. If you or someone you know has been the subject of a sexual harassment incident, speak to a leading sexual harassment lawyer immediately for help. Predators usually don’t stop their behavior on their own, but with the help of a skilled paralegal, you can be sure the harasser will be brought to justice.
Sexual harassment can be anything from a simple lewd comment to a serious physical attack. Regardless of the particular situation, there is one thing all sexual harassment incidents have in common – they are unwanted and unwelcome. You may be eligible for thousands of dollars in money damages for your pain and suffering and your sexual harassment lawyer will do whatever it takes to ensure that you obtain your rightful benefits.
Contact a skilled sexual harassment lawyer today to get started on your case right away.
Louisiana Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections Changes Sexual Harassment Policies Following Lawsuit
Written by: Tanya Gonzalez
The change comes about after the state department was accused of discriminating against an employee who came forward with complaints that a supervisor sexually assaulted her.
The agreement also resolves a lawsuit that the Justice Department’s civil rights division filed against the New Orleans department. The case involved a supervisor subjecting a female office administrator for the department’s Probation and Parole district office in Thibodaux, to sexual harassment ranging from inappropriate comments to unwanted touching to assault.
According to the Justice Department, at least four other department employees knew about the sexual harassment and didn’t report it.
However, Department of Public Safety and Corrections spokeswoman Pam Laborde said officials were “very quick and very swift to act” once the situation was reported.
“If the (Probation and Parole) director didn’t know about it, how can you take action?” asked Laborde. “We do have good policies in place. We’ll just brush them up where we need to.”
As a result of the incident, the department has agreed to pay $50,000 in damages to the victim.
The supervisor who was allegedly responsible for the sexual harassment resigned in December 2008 before a disciplinary hearing.
Sexual harassment comes in many forms. It can be anything as mild as a lewd joke to something severe as rape. Regardless of the circumstances, all sexual harassment is unacceptable. If you have been victimized by a sexual offender, turn to a leading sexual harassment lawyer right away for help. With a top paralegal on your side, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected.
Sexual harassment lawyers make sure the perpetrator is stopped and brought to justice. They will also make sure you are compensated for your pain and suffering. No matter what your case entails, you can be sure your paralegal will fight for your rights and make sure they are upheld.
Don’t allow yourself to suffer anymore at the hands of a sexual offender. Turn to a skilled team of sexual harassment lawyers right away to make sure the perpetrator never hurts you again.