Vernon Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Vernon Sexual Harassment Attorney

It can be frustrating, overwhelming, and painful to have to deal with a case of sexual harassment on your own. Regrettably, due to the sensitive nature of the situation, you may feel more alone than ever. You may even feel like you cannot report the incident because you might lose your job. Sexual harassment in the workplace is unacceptable. A Vernon sexual harassment lawyer can help you.

What Exactly Is Sexual Harassment?

Any behavior that is sexually charged or sexually motivated can be considered sexual harassment if it creates an uncomfortable situation for someone, particularly the target of that behavior. Sexual harassment occurs often in virtually every state. You may not even immediately be aware you are being sexually harassed if it happens to you. Sexual harassment comes in many different forms, and some of them may appear innocuous at first but can grow into worse behavior.

A number of different behaviors can be considered sexual harassment, whether they happen to you in person, over the phone, or through online chats. It doesn’t matter where or how they occur. The behaviors may still be considered sexual harassment if they make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and they should be reported to someone who can do something about it. If you are worried about losing your job over this, you may be able to seek a wrongful termination claim.

Sexual harassment can take the form of unwanted sexual advances, sexual jokes, sexual assault, exchange of sexual favors for advancement, unwanted touching, unwanted kissing, unwanted groping, sexual questions, sexually explicit emails, texts, or phone calls, and unsolicited sexually charged videos. If it is sexual in nature and makes you feel uneasy, unsafe, or uncomfortable, you should consider reporting it as sexual harassment. It could prevent future incidents.

Thankfully, California’s extensive and comprehensive labor laws make it very clear that sexual harassment is not to be tolerated in the workplace. Still, it happens on a daily basis to people just trying to get through the workday. If it happens to you, it is crucial to your case that you take the right steps to protect yourself, as preventing future incidents can help protect others. Holding people accountable is essential, as it can discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.

What to Do If It Happens to You in Vernon

If you ever find yourself becoming the victim of sexual harassment, do not feel like you are alone. It is quite common, and everyone’s experience can be very different. Your experiences could be substantially traumatizing or a mild inconvenience. It depends entirely on the incident itself. Regardless, you should report the behavior through the proper channels to ensure it doesn’t happen again. If it persists, you may want to consider taking legal action against your employer.

If you are sexually harassed in Vernon, you may be initially reluctant to report anything to your supervisor or your company’s HR department. The last thing you may want is to be singled out or to cause workplace strife. That can be understandable, but your detailed report may be the only thing that prevents your harasser from doing it again, either to you or to someone else.

Once you file a report with your company, you may want to consider filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). You cannot proceed with legal action until you reach out to the CRD. Once they respond with a “right to sue” notice, you can seek help from an experienced sexual harassment lawyer and move forward with your case.

FAQs About Vernon, CA Sexual Harassment Laws

How Do You Prove Sexual Harassment Charges?

The only way to prove sexual harassment charges is to gather as much evidence as you possibly can in order to show that you are in the right. This evidence can include witness statements, video recordings, audio recordings, emails, text messages, phone records, physical evidence, and even medical records. The more you have, the easier it can be to prove you are telling the truth.

Can You Take Legal Action Against Someone for Harassment and Get Compensated?

Yes, it is entirely possible to take legal action against someone for harassment and get compensated by a civil court. You will need to prove that their actions constituted harassment under California state law. A skilled employment lawyer can help you build a substantial case and inform you of your options for pursuing a case against your harasser. Depending on your case’s strength and evidence, you may be able to get considerable compensation.

What Qualifies as Harassment in California?

Many different behaviors may qualify as harassment in California. The kind of harassment you endure may direct the outcome of your case, should you wish to pursue one. Name-calling, slurs, and offensive remarks may be considered verbal harassment. Unwanted physical touching may be considered physical harassment. Harassment is all about hurting someone else and making them feel insecure, unsafe, or scared.

What Is the Burden of Proof in a Harassment Case?

In a harassment case, the burden of proof generally lies with the plaintiff since they are the one bringing the case to the court. In a harassment case, the plaintiff will have to prove that the incident occurred by a preponderance of the evidence. This means the plaintiff has to prove that the harassment more than likely happened. This is a lower standard than a criminal case.

Contact a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today

It can feel violating and isolating to be at the center of a sexual harassment case. The workplace is supposed to be a relatively safe area where you can do your job without having to worry about feeling unsafe or attacked. When behaviors that violate your safe space occur, it can create a hostile environment. An experienced sexual harassment lawyer can help you find a path forward and make sure your harasser faces accountability for their actions.

The legal team at Shirazi Law Firm, PC, can help you build up your case, gather evidence that supports you, and make sure your interests are protected throughout this ordeal. Contact us to speak with a team member about your case as soon as you can.