Looking for a Sexual Harassment Mediator in Dallas, TX? Call Rasansky Resolution Center at (214) 275-5333.

Sexual harassment is a serious yet complex subject, and one which is gaining in momentum as a result of the recent #MeToo movement. These types of claims are often contentious, sensitive, and the results can have sweeping effects on any business.

Sexual harassment can be defined as unwanted sexual conduct within a professional setting. Such an act can be considered quid pro quo harassment if something (e.g., raise or promotion) is promised in exchange for a sexual demand, or even hostile work environment harassment caused by frequent or pervasive unwanted sexual comments, advances, requests, or conduct.

Sexual harassment claims sometimes play out in civil court, but the majority of cases are often settled outside of court through mediation or arbitration; the two most-common forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Sexual Harassment Claims – Litigation vs. Mediation

There are several advantages to mediation rather than litigation, but in order to have any real chance at coming to an agreeable resolution, both parties need to be open to the idea of resolving their claims outside of court.

Litigation is a much slower process, more-expensive for all parties involved, makes the dispute public record, and has no guarantee of a favorable outcome. Mediation, on the other hand, is a more-intuitive and non-adversarial form of dispute resolution.

Mediation is simply an alternative means of resolving such a dispute or claim, and is conducted by a trained and neutral third party (the mediator) who will facilitate productive communication between the two parties in order to help them reach a negotiated resolution and avoid trial.

Here are a few reasons you may want to consider mediation over litigation with regard to a sexual harassment claim:

• Confidentiality — Remember that should a lawsuit be filed, it’s going to be public record. Mediation on the other hand is a sealed affair. Any information gathered during an unsuccessful mediation is not admissible in court, should litigation later occur.
• Validation — It is important that every side’s positions are heard to the fullest extent. Mediation will not only allow the plaintiff to recount in detail how the sexual harassment occurred, how it made them feel, and what they expect from the defendant; it also allows the defendant to present their position and understanding of the event in a non-confrontational manner.
• Time-saving — Mediation will not drag on like litigation. If both parties are willing to work toward a solution, it may take only a few days and will cost much less money than litigating the case in court.
• Control — Unlike litigation, both parties have ultimate control when mediating a case. You will not be forced to agree to anything, and if either party is unsatisfied, they can change the direction of negotiations or walk away at any time.
• Neutrality — Mediation doesn’t favor one side or the other. The mediator will act as a neutral third-party to listen to both sides and help facilitate negotiations. He or she is not the ultimate decision-maker, and cannot force either side to accept a resolution that they do not agree to.

Rasansky Resolution Center

Looking for a mediator to handle a sexual harassment dispute in North Texas? For more information about Rasansky Resolution Center and how we may be able to help, call us today at (214) 275-5333.