When workers experience sexual harassment, they often expect their employers to correct the issue. Unfortunately, many workers experience the opposite. Their employers ignore their concerns or punish them for speaking up about the harassment they have experienced. Workers denied support or punished by their employers after experiencing sexual harassment may need to initiate a lawsuit.

There are thousands of sexual harassment lawsuits initiated every year, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Many of these lawsuits result from employers ignoring complaints or retaliating against workers. Successful sexual harassment litigation can result in the courts reinstating a worker unjustly terminated for reporting harassment. The professional can also receive financial compensation for the economic implications of the harassment they endured.

In many cases, it may be possible to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit before it goes to trial. In such a situation, the employer and the worker agree to settlement terms outside of court. There are several benefits for the worker involved if their lawyer can negotiate an appropriate settlement. Why might a worker suing over sexual harassment agree to settle?

To protect their privacy

Sexual harassment claims that go to trial may attract the attention of the news media. If the story makes the local news, it could then impact the employee’s future employment opportunities. Anything shared online has the potential to turn up again, even years later.

Companies performing background checks on workers may find information about litigation and may factor that into the hiring process. Settling typically helps preserve the privacy of both parties and reduces the long-term impact the lawsuit has on a worker’s career prospects.

To move on more quickly

Employers and workers discussing a sexual harassment case can potentially attend mediation or engage in direct negotiations. They may be able to settle the matter in a mutually agreeable fashion within a few months.

Litigation, on the other hand, can take years to complete. Workers may not be able to truly heal and begin refocusing on their careers until after they resolve the pending lawsuit. For many workers, the ability to close that chapter of their life and move on can make a settlement the best option available.

Pursuing a settlement in a sexual harassment lawsuit scenario can be as complicated as preparing for litigation. Those who are open to a settlement may ultimately feel happier with the outcome of their sexual harassment case than those who invest the time and effort into litigation.