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Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment

Jeremiah A. Denton III, P.C. have been handling sexual harassment cases for women in the workplace for nearly 40 years.  We help clients pursue settlements or remedies for—

  • Pain and suffering
  • Humiliation and emotional distress
  • Lost income and benefits
  • Legal fees

About a decade before the notorious “Tailhook” case opened the floodgates to sexual harassment suits in the United States, Jeremiah Denton settled one of the state’s first sexual harassment cases against a CEO attempting to exploit his position of power over a vulnerable single-mom secretary.

Later, Mr. Denton successfully represented a troubled 16-year-old girl who had been sent to a private military academy, where she was exploited by the school’s Dean of Students.

Over the decades, we have represented legal secretaries, college professors, and a variety of working women in successful sexual harassment claims.  Consequently, numerous sexual predators have paid dearly for their misconduct.

A primer on sexual harassment

Whether subtle or blatant, sexual harassment in any form is rooted in economic exploitation for an illicit purpose.  It involves deliberate misconduct and is strictly illegal under state and federal laws.  The United States Supreme Court defines sexual harassment as unwelcome words or conduct sufficiently “pervasive or severe” to alter the conditions of employment and create a hostile work environment.  A fine line exists between what constitutes sexual harassment and innocent interaction between the sexes.  An isolated request for a date or phone number is not harassment, even if at work, and, in some instances, vulgar comments may not be either.  Stalking and unwanted touching almost always are.  There is, of course, a broad gray area.  Each case needs to be evaluated carefully to determine whether grounds for suit exist.

Who is liable for sexual harassment

Employers are not automatically responsible for the conduct of every employee in the workplace.  But employers are automatically liable for sexual harassment by supervisors and harassment by any employee, if the employer knows about it and does not take reasonable steps to prevent it and working conditions are affected by the harassment.

The time period for filing sexual harassment claims can be very short, and it varies with the type of claim and type of employer.  It is best to speak to an attorney immediately if you are facing unwelcome attention at work.

You should know…

  • Attorneys’ fees are typically awarded in successful sexual harassment cases.
  • A lawsuit for “retaliation” can be filed if the employer penalized the victim for bringing a harassment claim.  Typical evidence of retaliation includes termination, cutting hours, poor performance evaluations, or reassigning the victim instead of the perpetrator.
  • Employers are required to take action if they have been informed of unwanted sexual attention.  If they do not they can be held liable.
  • Sexual harassment cases can be filed in either state or federal court.
  • A harassed employee can win a sexual harassment case without any evidence other than her own testimony, so long as the jury believes her.

We insist on justice

Located close to Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, our practice serves clients throughout Virginia.

Contact our office for assistance from a supportive lawyer and help stop the cycle of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Virginia State Bar Disclaimer
Every Legal Matter Is Different. The Outcome Of Each Legal Case Depends Upon Many Factors, Including The Facts Of The Case, And No Attorney Can Guarantee A Positive Result In Any Particular Case. The Outcome Of Every Case Will Depend On A Variety Of Factors Unique To Each Case And Case Results Depicted Here Do Not Guarantee Or Predict A Similar Result In Any Future Case.
Prior Cases
  • "Jury awards $3 million in wrongful death murder trial. "

  • "Jury awards $1,200,000 in legal malpractice case "

  • "Denton recognized for two of Virginia's top million dollar-plus verdicts "

  • "WAVY ordered to pay $1.2m for defaming couple "

  • "Student scores $5m jury verdict for libel"

  • "Federal jury awards event planners $600,000 each "

  • "Attorney, firm hit with $420,000 verdict "

  • "READ ABOUT OUR MOST RECENT $5,000,000 JURY VERDICT"

Client Testimonials
  • "Jerry, You are an incredible man. Your intelligence and strength were the foundation of our fight. Because of you we have a restored sense of self worth...- Read All"

  • "Dear Mr. Awesome, Champion of the Underdog: No words seem adequate to the occasion. I am just thrilled for you and your very deserving clients. Congratulations! "

  • "It's nice to know that there are still people like you in this world that are not afraid to go against the grain of society and are willing to stick there neck out for somebody else because of their belief in that person. "

Our Video & Awards

Watch this quick video to find out who Jeremiah A. Denton III is and why you might want him to take on your case.

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  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    He has been successful in a general practice. He is especially capable in military law.

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  • lawyers
    4.8/5.0

    Mr. Buzard is an excellent attorney and well thought of in the legal community.

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    5.0/5.0

    I was referred to Jake Denton by one of his law school classmates who practices law in Staunton, VA. I was being sued by a business in Virginia Beach. I’m not going into particulars but I could not be happier with the results that Jake produced. A ...

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  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    I was referred to Jerry Denton after meeting with several other personal injury attorneys. I knew immediately after meeting with him, this was who I wanted in my corner. Mr. Denton is personable and compassionate with his clients, yet a very skil...

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  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    I was represented by Mr. Jeremiah Denton in a complex case spanning over two years involving custody of children, a veteran, complex mental health issues, financial issues and much more. The outcome I sought was very rarely granted in the state of Vi...

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