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If you have suffered sexual harassment or have been a witness to sexual harassment in your workplace, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you have suffered. For more information about how a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney can assist you, call Aegis Law Firm at (949) 379-6250. Our experienced sexual harassment lawyers can help you fight against sexual harassment in your workplace and secure your right to a safe work environment.
For passionate and dedicated representation in your sexual harassment case, call Aegis Law Firm today at (949) 379-6250. Your initial consultation is free and you pay no fees unless we win. We also offer Spanish-speaking services. Take action today to defend your rights.
Sexual harassment is harassment directed at a person because of their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The conduct does not have to be sexual but it must be unwelcome conduct directed at a person based on their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Conduct that may be considered sexual harassment includes:
Federal and state laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment can make the work place unbearable for a victim and create a hostile work environment. In California, a person who witnesses sexual harassment can make a claim even though the harassment was not directed at them.
An attorney can provide valuable assistance and support if you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Here are some of the ways a sexual harassment attorney can help:
A Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney will explain your rights and the laws that protect you against sexual harassment. In addition, they can provide information on what constitutes sexual harassment, how to gather evidence, and the steps you can take to address the situation.
An attorney will assess the strength of your case by reviewing the facts, evidence, and applicable laws. They can help you determine if you have a viable claim and the potential outcomes you might expect.
If you decide to pursue legal action, a sexual harassment attorney can assist you in filing a formal complaint with the appropriate government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They will guide you through the process and ensure that all necessary documentation is completed correctly.
In many cases, sexual harassment claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement. Your attorney can represent your interests during settlement discussions, striving to secure fair compensation for any damages you have suffered as a result of the harassment.
If your case proceeds to litigation, an experienced sexual harassment attorney will act as your legal advocate in court. They will prepare your case, present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings.
Dealing with sexual harassment can be emotionally challenging. A sexual harassment attorney can provide empathetic support and help you navigate the process while keeping your well-being in mind.
Determining the monetary value of a sexual harassment claim is a complex process that depends on several factors. A sexual harassment attorney can evaluate the specific details of your case to provide an accurate assessment. However, here are some factors that may influence the potential worth:
The compensation awarded in a sexual harassment claim typically aims to address the damages suffered by the victim. This may include pain and suffering, such as physical pain, emotional distress, psychological harm, and loss of enjoyment of life. In addition, the severity and duration of the harassment and its impact on your well-being will be considered.
If the sexual harassment resulted in tangible economic losses, such as lost wages, loss of job opportunities, career advancement, or medical expenses (e.g., doctor visits, therapy, medications), these can be factored into the claim’s value.
In some cases, if the harassment was particularly egregious or intentional, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the perpetrator and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Punitive damages can significantly increase the overall value of a sexual harassment claim.
The more compelling the evidence, the stronger your claim and potentially the higher the compensation.
If you have a workplace sexual harassment claim, it is critical to take prompt and appropriate action to protect your rights and address the situation.
Keep a detailed record of all incidents of sexual harassment, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what occurred. If there were any witnesses present, note their names and contact information. In addition, preserve any physical evidence, such as offensive emails, text messages, or other relevant documents.
Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies regarding sexual harassment. They typically outline the procedures for reporting and addressing it.
Report the sexual harassment to your employer or the appropriate authority within your organization, such as Human Resources or a designated supervisor. Make your report in writing and retain a copy for your records. Provide as much detail as possible about the incidents and individuals involved.
Consider speaking to a sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights, evaluate the strength of your case, and guide you through the claims process.
If your employer initiates an investigation into your complaint, cooperate fully and provide any additional information or evidence that may be requested. It is important to be truthful and responsive during the investigation process.
Sexual harassment can be emotionally distressing. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or support networks to share your experience and seek emotional support. Consider counseling or therapy to help cope with the impact of the harassment.
How long you have to file a sexual harassment claim depends on the nature of the claim and the venue where it will be filed. However, here are the general time limits for filing a sexual harassment claim in California:
If you wish to file a complaint with the California DFEH, you generally have one year from the date of the alleged harassment to initiate the process. However, this deadline can be extended to three years if the DFEH pursues the claim as an employment discrimination violation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
If you choose to file a complaint with the EEOC, you typically have 300 days from the date of the alleged harassment to initiate the process. This deadline is based on the work-sharing agreement between the EEOC and the DFEH.
If you decide to file a civil lawsuit for sexual harassment in California state court, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the alleged harassment.
It is crucial to be aware of these time limitations and take action within the specified deadlines. Failing to file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations may result in your claim being time-barred, meaning you may lose your right to pursue legal action.
Workers in California are protected by federal and state laws that prohibit sexual harassment. At the federal level, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects workers against sexual harassment and applies to businesses with more than 15 employees. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) gives broader protection to workers in California because it applies to employers regardless of how many employees they have.
To successfully make a claim for sexual harassment, the conduct complained of must be sufficiently severe or pervasive such that it alters the conditions of the claimant’s work environment and creates a hostile workplace. In some cases, a single severe incident may amount to sexual harassment. Whether conduct amounts to sexual harassment or not is a matter of law. If you are experiencing unwelcome sex-based conduct in the workplace, you should speak with an experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer to evaluate your case.
If you have been sexually harassed at work, or you are unsure of your legal position, our Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys can help you. To find out more about your rights and potential claims, call us today at (949) 379-6250 to set up a free consultation and assessment of your case. We also have Spanish-speaking services available.