Experiencing sexual harassment at the workplace can be a traumatic experience, and many of the victims hesitate to report the issue for fear of a backlash and the possibility of job loss. However, the offenders cannot get away with the mistreatment, since the Californian law is clear about prohibiting sexual harassment, and even requires employers to organize training programs on preventing and dealing with such issues.
According to the Fair Employment and Housing Act in California, employers, supervisors, and co-workers can face legal action if they are found guilty of sexual harassment. So, if you find yourself in such a workplace situation, you should find an experienced sexual harassment attorney Los Angeles CA, and take the necessary legal steps to protect your rights.
Reasons for hiring a sexual harassment attorney
In California, you may need to hire an experienced attorney for a sexual harassment lawsuit if you have experienced a quid pro quo type of harassment or a hostile work environment type of harassment.
Quid pro quo harassment
Quid pro quo harassment is when you face sexual harassment from your supervisor, manager, or co-workers who are in a higher work position and have work authority over you.
Hostile work environment harassment
Hostile work environment harassment is when you have to put up with unwelcome and offensive conduct from other employees.
Some common examples of sexual harassment
• You have been subjected to offensive sexual comments by your employer, supervisor, or co-workers. These can include comments about your figure, your face, or the clothes you wear.
• You have been subjected to unwanted sexual contact from your employer, supervisor, or co-workers. That can include brushing against you, getting too close for personal comfort, putting an arm around you, or touching you in inappropriate places.
• You have had to put up with repeated and unwanted sexual advances from your employer, supervisor, or co-workers. They may keep making innuendos and asking you out for a coffee or a meal, to accompany them on business trips, or to meet them in a hotel.
• You have had to put up with a barrage of sexual propositions and jokes from your employer, supervisor, or co-workers. They may blatantly ask for sexual favors, make crude gestures, tell jokes that distress you, or send you sexually explicit pictures.
• You have to put up with an intimidating workplace due to the constant sexual harassment. You are afraid to go to work, don’t feel safe there, and cannot work properly due to mental distress. You may even have had your work sabotaged to make you look bad, or have people spreading unsavory rumors about you.
• You have been denied a promotion because you rejected the sexual advances. You cannot get the higher position and pay you are qualified for, because you refused to give in to the sexual favors demanded by your boss or supervisor.
• You have been fired because you rejected the sexual advances. You receive your marching orders on trumped-up charges, although you have been diligent about your work and have a stellar record.
• You are being threatened because you reported the sexual harassment. Your boss, supervisor, or co-worker may threaten you covertly or directly because you reported their harassment to the HR department.
Aside from these, you may also have grounds for hiring a sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles, CA, and filing a case if your employer, supervisor, or co-workers make it a tough work environment by uttering offensive, belittling remarks that disparage your gender.
By hiring an experienced sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles, CA, you will be able to look out for your career interests. The attorney will investigate your claim, gather evidence of the sexual harassment, and file a case on your behalf.
Depending on the level of harassment, he or she can work out a settlement in your favor. If you are not willing to settle, the attorney will represent you in court during the trial, take an aggressive stance if necessary to protect your rights, and see to it that you get justice. You will be able to hold your harassers legally accountable for their obnoxious behavior and receive suitable compensation for your ordeal.
