Miami’s Dedicated Sexual Harassment Lawyer: Fighting for the Rights of Sexual Harassment Victims

If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in Miami, you are not alone. Whether you work in a luxury hotel in South Beach, a corporate office in Brickell, a restaurant in Coral Gables, or a retail store in Aventura Mall, you have legal rights. No employee—regardless of industry or position—should tolerate workplace misconduct, harassment, or retaliation.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is not only emotionally and psychologically damaging, but it is also illegal under federal, state, and local laws. Employees in Miami, Brickell, Coral Gables, Doral, Hialeah, and throughout South Florida have legal protections against unwanted sexual advances, harassment, and retaliation.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual harassment in Miami, it’s essential to understand your legal options. An experienced Miami sexual harassment lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. It is a form of gender-based discrimination prohibited by federal, state, and local laws. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this includes:

  • Unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors
  • Inappropriate touching or physical contact
  • Sexually explicit comments, jokes, or gestures
  • Displaying pornographic images or videos

Types of Sexual Harassment

1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment

This occurs when employment decisions—such as hiring, promotions, raises, or assignments—are conditioned on the acceptance of sexual advances. For example, a manager offers a pay raise in exchange for sexual favors or threatens to fire an employee for rejecting them.

2. Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment is created when unwelcome sexual conduct is so severe or pervasive that it interferes with an employee’s ability to work. This includes repeated sexual jokes, unwanted touching, offensive images, or derogatory remarks that create an intimidating workplace.

Many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation, especially in industries with power imbalances. If you have experienced any of this in your workplace, you may have a legal claim.

Understanding Sexual Harassment Laws in Miami

Miami employees are protected by a three-tiered system of federal, state, and local laws that prohibit sexual harassment. These laws ensure that workers in Miami-Dade County have additional protections beyond standard regulations.

Federal, State, and Local Protections

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits sexual harassment as a form of gender discrimination and covers employers with 15 or more employees. It is enforced by the EEOC.
  • Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA): The FCRA provides similar state-level protections and applies to employers with 15 or more employees. You have 365 days to file a complaint under the FCRA.
  • Miami-Dade County’s Human Rights Ordinance: This local ordinance offers broader protections, covering employers with as few as 5 employees and including protections for gender identity and sexual orientation.

Steps to Take If You’ve Experienced Sexual Harassment

If you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment at work, it’s crucial to take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen your legal claim.

  1. Document Everything

    Keep a detailed written record of every incident, including dates, times, locations, and what was said or done. Save any relevant emails, texts, or other messages.

  2. Report Harassment Internally

    Review your company’s sexual harassment policy and file a formal, written complaint with HR or your designated manager. This creates an official record and gives your employer a chance to act.

  3. Consult a Miami Sexual Harassment Lawyer

    If your employer fails to address the harassment or retaliates against you, an attorney can help you file a formal complaint with the EEOC or other agencies and explore your legal options.

How Much Is a Sexual Harassment Case Worth?

The value of a sexual harassment case depends on the severity of the conduct, its impact on your career and mental health, and whether your employer failed to act. Victims may be entitled to recover:

  • Lost Wages: Includes back pay for lost income and front pay for future lost earnings if you were fired or forced to quit.
  • Emotional Distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues caused by the harassment.
  • Punitive Damages: Intended to punish employers for particularly malicious or reckless behavior.
  • Legal Fees: In many successful cases, the employer is required to pay your attorney's fees.

What to Expect When Working with a Miami Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Deciding to pursue legal action can be overwhelming. An experienced Miami sexual harassment attorney will provide a personalized legal strategy, help you gather evidence, and offer ongoing support and communication. Whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to court, your lawyer will fight to protect your interests and help you seek justice.

Take Action: Protect Your Rights Against Sexual Harassment

At MacDonald Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to protecting workers in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties from harassment and discrimination. We represent clients across all major industries, from hospitality and healthcare to corporate finance and retail.

  • Exclusive Focus on Employment Law
  • Local Knowledge of Miami-Dade & Florida Laws
  • No Upfront Fees – You Don't Pay Unless We Win

If you've been harassed at work, don’t wait—take the first step toward justice. If you work in Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Kendall, Doral, or anywhere in South Florida, contact us today.

Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation