Sexual Harassment
YOUR SEXUAL HARASSMENT ATTORNEYS
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a prime example of what is called hostile working environment, where working conditions become so severe that employees may suffer from emotional distress that makes it impossible to be productive.
Unwelcome, unsolicited sexual advances or derogatory comments in the workplace can have lasting negative impact, so if you feel as though you were harassed by an employer or co-worker, now is the time to take action.
The Hardin Law Group has decades of experience defending victims of sexual harassment and will take on your case with the full resources of our firm.
WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE?
In broad terms, sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual, physical, or verbal conduct in the workplace and is against federal and California law. There are two categories of sexual harassment:
Quid Pro Quo
This harassment occurs when employment is conditioned on the submission to unwelcome sexual advances. This condition can be express (i.e direct statements) or implied.
Hostile Environment
The more frequent type of sexual harassment, hostile environment harassment, generally occurs when the employee’s work environment is made hostile or abusive by sexual misconduct or discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines a hostile work environment as harassment that establishes a work environment a reasonable person would view as intimidating, hostile or offensive.
EXAMPLES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
- Unwanted sexual advances or propositions
- Verbal conduct, including slurs or derogatory comments and comments about a person’s body, appearance or sexual activity;
- Physical conduct, including assault, blocking movement, or any physical interference with normal work or movement; and
- Harassment, including leering looks, offensive gestures or derogatory posters, cartoons or drawings.
FEDERAL AND STATE SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAW
There are several federal laws that prohibit sexual harassment, including Title VII of the Civil Right Act of 1964.
In terms of California Law, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) also makes workplace sexual harassment against the law in California. Sexual harassment protections extend to independent contractors.
REPORTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
You have the right to report instances of sexual harassment in your workplace, whether you are the victim or you are a witness. If your employer retaliates against you for making a report, he/she is breaking the law and you may be able to bring a whistleblower claim against your employer.
Under California law, if workplace harassment has occurred, the employer has a duty to take measures to not only change the harasser’s behavior, but to prevent potential harassers from unlawful conduct down the road.
FINANCIAL RECOVERY
There are certain administrative steps a sexual harassment victim must take before filing a lawsuit, which our employment attorneys can walk you through. When suing for injuries suffered as a result of the harassment, an employee can seek:
- Reinstatement, if you lost your job;
- Back pay (multiplied by three times) if you lost money or missed out on a raise;
- Lost fringe benefits;
- Damages for emotional distress;
- Your attorney’s fees and court costs.
Workplace Harassment is Unacceptable. We Can Help.
If you believe you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact Hardin Law Group today. With decades of experience and hundreds of successful cases behind us, Hardin is a leader in protecting and supporting workers in harassment cases. Find out how our lawyers can assist you with a free confidential consultation. And remember, we handle harassment cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay legal fees unless you receive compensation in your case.
Protect Your Rights. Contact Us.
Orange County Office
(949) 337-4810
(844) 615-1122
23 Corporate Plaza Drive, Suite 150
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Los Angeles Office
(310) 606-2122
1638 South Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
San Francisco Office
(415) 510-2211
One Sansome Street, Suite 3500
San Francisco, CA 94104
No Recovery, No Fee. Call today for a free case evaluation.
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