La Canada Flintridge Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Forms of Sexual Harassment a Lawyer from La Canada Flintridge Can Seek Damages For

According to California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), it’s illegal to engage in sexually harassing conduct in the workplace. That said, sexual harassment can come in many different forms, and some types may be more subtle and harder to recognize than others. 

If you feel as though you’ve endured sexually harassing behavior at your place of work but aren’t sure if the conduct you’ve been subjected to is unlawful, an experienced legal advocate can help you. A sexual harassment attorney from La Canada Flintridge can determine if you’ve experienced any of the following types of sexual harassment:

• Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
  Quid pro quo sexual harassment refers to instances where an employer or supervisor offers you job benefits in exchange for your willingness to engage in sexual behavior or acts. For example, if your boss has offered you a raise in exchange for a sexual favor, you’ve experienced quid pro quo harassment and likely have grounds for a claim. 
• Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment
  Hostile work environment harassment is a broader form of harassment that may include unwanted sexual advances, sexual remarks or jokes, comments motivated by gender or sexual orientation, distribution of explicit materials, and a number of other forms of sexually harassing behavior. 

To qualify as hostile work environment sexual harassment, the conduct you’re subjected to must be either severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would consider it abusive or detrimental to their ability to perform work duties. 

Common Examples of Sexual Harassment

While familiarizing yourself with hostile work environment and quid pro quo sexual harassment can be helpful, reviewing examples of sexually harassing conduct can also help you determine if you’ve endured unlawful behavior at your workplace. 

Our La Canada Flintridge sexual harassment lawyers can help you seek financial remedies if you’ve experienced any of the following situations at your place of work:

• Your supervisor or coworker openly discusses or asks you about sexual proclivities or sexual orientation
• You receive unwelcome gifts from another employee
• Your manager makes repeated comments about you or another worker’s attractiveness
• A coworker makes jokes or remarks of a sexual nature
• You receive a sexually explicit email, video, or photo from your boss or coworker
• A coworker spreads sexual rumors about you or another coworker

You don’t have to be the direct target of sexually harassing behavior to potentially have a claim. If you’re a bystander, but the sexually harassing conduct has negatively impacted your work environment, you can still speak with an attorney to obtain justice and financial remedies. If you’re still unsure about whether you’ve experienced unlawful harassment at your job, our team can review your situation and let you know if your rights have been violated. 

Need Legal Help? If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, contact our experienced attorneys today for a free consultation (213) 772-5882

What to Do if You Experience Sexual Harassment

If you believe you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, it’s important to take action right away. Here are the steps to follow:

• Document Everything: Write down details of each incident, including dates, times, locations, people involved, and what was said or done. This will be crucial evidence.
• Report to HR or Management: Inform your employer about the harassment as soon as possible. Most companies have procedures in place to handle such complaints. Reporting can help protect your rights and may prevent further incidents.
• Seek Legal Help: Consulting with a sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your rights. A lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Legal Protections for Employees in California

California has strong legal protections against sexual harassment, including:

• Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): This state law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Employers must take immediate action to prevent and stop harassment in the workplace.
• Sexual Harassment Policies: Employers are required to have clear, written policies against sexual harassment, including procedures for reporting and investigating complaints.
• Protection from Retaliation: It’s illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who report sexual harassment or participate in an investigation. If you face retaliation, you have legal options.

Time Limits for Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim

It’s crucial to act quickly, as there are time limits for filing a sexual harassment claim. These limits depend on whether you're filing with a state or federal agency:

Filing with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH): You must file your complaint within one year from the date the harassment occurred.