Sexual Harassment Settlements
There are many steps in a sexual harassment lawsuit. First, the complaint is filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights ("IDHR") or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC"). If you file with the IDHR they will cross-file with the EEOC so you get a two for one. After the complaint is filed there will be a verified answer filed by the company; which is simply an answer filed under oath. After the answer is filed the IDHR will schedule a client interview to get facts and the names of any witnesses. The next step is the fact-finding conference at the IDHR. The fact-finding conference would be attended by the person filing the charge, her attorney, the IDHR investigator and the company representative and their attorney.
Along the way the parties usually try to settle the case. So why should you try and settle the sexual harassment case? There are many reasons why settling is to your advantage. First, you get guaranteed money in your pocket. Remember there is no guarantee you will win your case. Second, you get money today as opposed to perhaps getting money years from now. Third, you don't have to worry about the company going out of business or filing for bankruptcy. Because sexual harassment cases take years to get to trial a company could have financial problems before the case is resolved. I always work hard to settle cases and think it is the best course of action in sexual harassment cases.
