From groping, forced touching, and kissing to blocking exits and intimidating physical behavior, unwanted sexual contact in the workplace is a serious violation of your rights. No employee should feel unsafe at work.
At Kaplan Employment Law, our Florida sexual harassment lawyers fight for survivors of workplace sexual assault and abuse. We take on powerful employers who enable misconduct — and we win.
If you’ve been sexually touched, groped, or physically harassed at work, contact us now for a consultation.
What Is Unwanted Physical Touching in the Workplace?
Unwanted physical touching includes any unwelcome, inappropriate, or invasive physical contact that makes an employee feel unsafe, intimidated, or violated. Such behaviors may include gestures that are not explicitly sexual but are invasive and inappropriate in a professional setting.
- Groping or Fondling – Touching breasts, buttocks, or other private areas.
- Forcing or Attempting to Kiss – Non-consensual kissing or sexualized touching.
- Unwanted Massages or Rubbing – Touching a coworker’s shoulders, neck, or back.
- Brushing Against or Grinding – Pressing against an employee in a sexual way.
Even a single act of groping, forced touching, or physical intimidation can be grounds for a lawsuit.
How Unwanted Touching Creates a Hostile Work Environment
Unwanted physical contact creates a sexually hostile work environment, making employees feel unsafe and disrupting their ability to work. Examples of a Hostile Work Environment Due to Unwanted Touching:
- Repeated Groping or Touching – A coworker or manager persistently touches any part of your body in a sexual manner.
- Intimidating Physical Behavior – Someone blocks you from leaving a room or corners you at work.
- Sexualized Physical Contact – Brushing up against you, or sexually assaulting you by grinding against you
If you have been touched inappropriately at work, you have legal rights. Kaplan Employment Law will fight for you.
Legal Protections for Employees Experiencing Physical Harassment
Both Florida and federal laws protect employees from workplace physical sexually harassment.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII): Federal law prohibiting sexual harassment for employers with 15 or more employees.
- Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (FCRA): Florida state law offering similar protections against workplace sexual harassment.
- Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA): Protects victims of sex trafficking, including in the workplace.
Employers are required to address complaints of physical harassment promptly. Employers who fail to act can be held liable for damages.
How to Prove Sexual Harassment Involving Physical Touching
To prove sexual harassment, you must show that the unwanted touching was unwelcome and either severe or pervasive enough to affect your work environment.
Evidence You Need to Build a Sexual Harassment Claim
To win your case, we need evidence proving the unwanted touching was unwelcome, severe, or persistent.
- Detailed Incident Notes: Write down dates, times, locations, and descriptions of each incident.
- Witness Testimony: Statements from coworkers who saw the sexual misconduct or experienced similar unwanted sexual touching.
- Physical Evidence: Save photos, videos, or objects related to the harassment, such as inappropriate notes or gifts.
- Medical or Psychological Records: Proof of anxiety, stress, or trauma caused by the workplace sexual touching.
Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing. Contact us today.
What Compensation Can You Recover for Physical Harassment?
If you’ve suffered unwanted physical contact at work, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm it caused.
Emotional Distress Damages
Unwanted physical contact can cause significant emotional harm, including anxiety, depression, and humiliation. Victims may recover compensation for these impacts.
Lost Wages and Career Opportunities
If harassment led to termination, demotion, or missed promotions, you may recover back pay and damages for career setbacks.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the employer acted egregiously or failed to address severe harassment.
Attorney’s Fees and Costs
Successful claims often include reimbursement for legal fees, ensuring victims can pursue justice without financial burdens.
We Make the Difference in Your Story.
FAQ: Unwanted Physical Touching in the Workplace
What is considered unwanted physical touching at work?
Any physical contact that is unwelcome, sexual in nature, or makes you feel unsafe counts as harassment. This includes groping, touching, kissing, blocking movement, or forced massages.
Can I sue for sexual harassment involving physical contact?
Yes. Even one instance of severe unwanted touching—like groping—can justify a lawsuit. If the harassment was ongoing or ignored by your employer, you may be entitled to even more compensation.
What should I do if I’ve been touched inappropriately at work?
Take these steps to protect your rights:
- Document the incident – Write down what happened, when, and where.
- Save any messages, emails, or physical evidence.
- Tell the Harasser to Stop in a text.
- Report the Harassment in writing to HR.
- Talk to a workplace sexual harassment attorney.
Kaplan Employment Law will guide you through the legal process to pursue a sexual harassment claim.
What if my employer ignores my complaint?
Contact us immediately. Employers must address sexual harassment complaints or face liability. If they fail, you can file an EEOC claim or sue.
How long do I have to file a claim for workplace harassment in Florida?
You typically have 300 days to file with the EEOC or one year under Florida law. Deadlines are strict—don’t wait. Talk to us today.
Contact Kaplan Employment Law If You were Sexually Touched at Work
If you were groped, fondled, or physically harassed at work, you don’t have to fight alone.
At Kaplan Employment Law, we take on the toughest cases—and win.
- Experts at Fighting Against Workplace Sexual Touching
- Relentless Litigators who Fight Big Corporations
- No Upfront Fees—You Only Pay if we Win.
Call (954) 998-0793 or fill out our online form for a case review.
