Whittier Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Whittier Sexual Harassment Attorney

Unfortunately, sexual harassment can occur throughout California. Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, and it’s especially upsetting when it happens at your job. Employees sometimes encounter substantial pushback, including retaliation and, sometimes, wrongful termination. If you believe you have experienced workplace sexual harassment, a Whittier sexual harassment lawyer can help.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

It’s helpful to know what workplace sexual harassment means because many victims do not come forward to report harassment when they don’t understand the legal concept of sexual harassment.

In California, workplace sexual harassment means unwelcome advances or conduct that is sexual in nature and that creates an offensive, intimidating, or hostile work environment. The term encompasses a variety of behaviors, which are all discriminatory. Two types of sexual harassment are acknowledged, including:

• Quid pro quo – a Latin phrase that means “this for that” or “something for something.” Quid pro quo harassment happens when a person in a position of power, such as an employer or a supervisor, makes an employment decision seemingly based on the employee’s acceptance or rejection of sexual advances, like a promotion only in exchange for requested sexual activity.
• Hostile work environment – this means there are overwhelming and unwelcome sexual actions to the point where an entire workplace feels threatening or abusive, like many requests for an employee to date their employer or unwanted touching throughout the employee’s work day, and such actions can be sexual harassment if sufficiently widespread and severe.

If you believe you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work and might want to consider bringing a cause of action against your employer, it’s important to act right away. You should consider first discussing the harassment you’re facing by reporting it to your company, either through a trusted supervisor or the Human Resources department. Next, an employment lawyer can help with a formal complaint against your employer and/or the harasser.

Why Do I Need an Experienced Employment Law Attorney?

An experienced employment law attorney in Whittier can help with each step of your case and can walk side-by-side throughout the process of filing a sexual harassment case. Specifically, a seasoned attorney can:

• Utilize their extensive knowledge of California laws in order to help build your case
• Help you understand what is considered actionable harassment and whether to report it internally at your company
• Can assist with the complicated reporting requirements
• Can help gather relevant evidence
• Discuss and address possible employer retaliation
• Advocate for your legal rights
• Help achieve a positive outcome for your claim

An attorney can be invaluable for an employment law case in Whittier, especially when a victim might find the legal process emotionally taxing.

Why Is a Compassionate Attorney Helpful for a Sexual Harassment Case?

California’s legal procedures are complicated, a case can be overwhelming, and it might be difficult to relive the harassment incidents. A compassionate attorney can help provide the necessary peace of mind.

They can help you speak up about the inappropriate, unwelcome behavior while also respecting your privacy. They can help show patience and warm-heartedness during your attorney consultations while also zealously, aggressively advocating for you with the other parties if necessary.

The Importance of Legal Support

In California, all employees have the right to work in a safe work environment without any unwelcome, discriminatory behavior. When worker rights are violated, it’s crucial to seek accountability via the California legal system.

It’s important to find an attorney with a strong, demonstrable history of positively resolving claims like yours. Any attorney you’re considering should be familiar with California sexual harassment laws and potential legal remedies. A trusted California sexual harassment lawyer can help further discuss your unique case.

FAQs About Whittier, CA Sexual Harassment Laws

Can You File a Claim for Sexual Harassment and Get Financial Compensation in Whittier, California?

In California, you can file a claim for sexual harassment and demand financial compensation if you experience harassment in the workplace. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits workplace sexual harassment and allows victims who win their cases to pursue wage loss, medical expenses, and emotional distress damages claims. An experienced employment attorney can further discuss potential financial compensation for your unique case.

What Types of Damages Are Available From a Sexual Harassment Case in California?

In California, victims of workplace sexual harassment can seek recovery for the following types of financial damages:

• Medical expenses
• Wage loss
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages, in some cases
• Attorney fees and costs
• Injunctive relief, like ending future harassment
• Rehiring/reinstatement where appropriate
• Demanding policy and practice change at work to prevent further incidents

A knowledgeable California employment law attorney can address all possible financial compensation for sexual harassment.

What Is the Burden of Proof in a Sexual Harassment Case in California?

In California, the burden of proof for a sexual harassment case is to prove a case by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the victim must demonstrate that it’s more likely than not that the harassment took place. This is a lower burden of proof standard than what’s used for criminal cases, which is beyond a reasonable doubt. To prove their case, the victim usually relies on relevant information, like text messages, emails, witness testimony, etc., to prove their claim.

When Should I File a Sexual Harassment Claim in Whittier, California?

In California, you should file a harassment claim within three years with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). You should file your claim as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays. An experienced attorney can further discuss your case and ensure you file within the appropriate time limits to protect your rights.

Consult an Experienced Employment Lawyer in Whittier, California

Unfortunately, California workers experience sexual harassment at work. If you believe you’ve experienced workplace harassment, an experienced Whittier, California attorney can help.

The Shirazi Law Firm, PC, has worked with victims of workplace harassment to help them recover financially. We can help provide peace of mind if someone has violated your California workplace rights. Contact our employment law team today to set up a free initial consultation with an experienced sexual harassment attorney.