Firefighter Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit For $850,000
Sharon Januszewski a female firefighter in Oaklawn since 2000 had alleged sexual harassment in the firehouse and was forced to file a lawsuit after nothing was done to settle her claim. Januszewski and the village settled the claim for $850,000 plus she retains her position as a firefighter. In a time when budgets are being stretched and positions eliminated due to the bad economy you can see how important it is to have a harassment free work zone.
In the lawsuit Januszewski alleged sexual harassment by her male colleagues in the fire department, specifically that a firefighter ejaculated on her bedding at a firehouse and that pornography was found in the open and on display throughout a fire station. Januszewsky alleged village officials didn't do enough to investigate the incidents of sexual harassment once she reported it. Taking prompt action from the very start may have saved the village a great deal of money. Aside from the $850,000 paid to Januszewksi, I am sure a large amount of money was given to attorneys working for the village to defend the claim.
You can see how much a sexual harassment lawsuit can cost a town. In this case some immature actions by employees cost the town plenty of money. I handle sexual harassment cases throughout the state of Illinois and have many cases in the city of Chicago. You can read more about sexual harassment in Illinois by visiting my website at lasorsalaw.com or viewing other entries in my blog.
