Independent Investigations

Maria Fox serves as an independent investigator for employers in Maine and throughout New England who receive internal reports of harassment, discrimination or retaliation in the workplace. In this capacity, she generally serves as a factual investigator who interviews key witnesses, reviews evidence, and provides a detailed report for employers to consider with their corporate counsel.

Why investigate complaints of harassment, discrimination or retaliation?

• An investigation can be a valuable step in the process of responding fairly to all employees involved in a complaint.
  
  
• It can diffuse tensions generated by workplace disputes and reduce the risk of litigation.
  
  
• If sued, the employer can present a better legal defense.  Courts consider whether employers took prompt and effective remedial action to respond to employee complaints of harassment, discrimination or retaliation, including whether they conducted a thorough and impartial investigation. 

When should employers consider hiring an independent investigator?

• When the employer has no human resources professional or manager who is qualified and available to promptly investigate.
  
  
• If the complaint is against a high level employee with actual or perceived authority to fire the human resources professional or other internal investigator.
  
  
• If the matter is highly sensitive or high profile.
  
  
• If litigation is expected and the employer wants the option of having an independent investigator testify as a fact witness in court.