Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: What Do I Do if I’m Offered “Hush Money?”

Sexual harassment in the workplace is never okay. But things get worse when hush money is involved. This can complicate the situation and leave you unsure about your options. If you’ve been offered hush money, talk to sexual harassment lawyers. They know how to handle these situations. They can help you, even if you’ve already taken hush money. Contact a sexual harassment attorney in Beaumont, TX to help.

What is hush money?

Hush money is a form of bribery. It’s meant to keep someone quiet about something illegal or unethical that has been done. The offer is usually big enough to incentivize you to be quiet. It gives the offender power if you accept, and it doesn’t always stop the behavior.

If you take hush money, the offender can use that against you. They may convince you to stay quiet because you took it. They may make you feel like you no longer have the right to resist sexual harassment in the workplace. Their goal is to keep you quiet while the offender does what they want.

Is hush money legally binding if I receive it after sexual harassment in the workplace?

Politicians often use hush money. We have seen recent examples of this with Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump. She stated that she had slept with now-President Trump. Then she decided to publicize her story, and offered to return the hush money she received.

Hush money is often not legally binding. The other person technically is allowed to speak about their experience. But if the offender can brings up the fact that they have received money, it lowers the value of the victim’s words. It can destroy the victim’s credibility. This is why hush money is so effective for the offender if their victim does take the money.

In Stormy Daniel’s, situation, another issue is in play. She didn’t just take hush money. She also signed an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). The NDA stated that she would take the money and keep quiet in return. It also outlined what would happen if she broke her agreement.

If you’re offered hush money, you aren’t legally bound in any way unless you sign an agreement, too. Your signature is what legally binds you. Even if you take the money, you may still have options. It may look bad that you took the money, but it looks worse that someone else gave it to you. You should talk to sexual harassment lawyers if you’ve been offered hush money.

How can hush money help me?

Hush money is sometimes offered after sexual harassment in the workplace. This is an attempt to keep you quiet about the harassment, and doesn’t always solve anything. Sometimes it’s effective, depending on the situation. You might accept the money because you needed it, or because you were confused and did it without thinking. Now that you have the money, you may worry about what others will think about you. You may worry about whether they will believe your story.

If you’re offered hush money, it can work in your favor. The fact you were offered money shows that the other person was guilty, or was trying to hide something. You can use this information for your claim. Write down all the details of how and when the hush money was offered. Keep copies of any communication you’ve received about the hush money. Record how often the money is offered, and what amounts.

You and your sexual harassment lawyers can use this information in your claim. Hush money never looks good for the offender. This is especially true if you don’t take the money. Even if you do take the money, you can still file a claim. Your sexual harassment attorney in Beaumont, TX can help.

Do I need a sexual harassment attorney in Beaumont, TX?

Hush money can confuse a lot of people. It is best to work with someone who can understand the challenges of your situation. A sexual harassment lawyers can discuss the legality of the hush money. They can take a look at your information, and use it to build up a claim for you.

Don’t let the hush money keep you quiet. This just allows for more sexual harassment in the workplace. Make it stop now. Work with a lawyer to take care of the sexual harassment, even if hush money is involved.

Are you a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace? Were you offered hush money? You may have grounds for a claim. Contact a sexual harassment attorney at Brent Coon and Associates in Beaumont, TX today.