If you have experienced any type of sexual harassment at work, you may wonder how to file a workplace harassment complaint in Los Angeles. Ultimately, resolving any sexual harassment case can be a complex, multifaceted issue. You may need to report the incident not only to your employer but also to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency tasked with investigating workplace harassment claims in the United States.
Whatever your case entails, working with an experienced sexual harassment lawyer makes handling your case proceedings easier and significantly increases your chances of success with the claim. The right attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim, advise you as to what to do after an internal report at work has proven fruitless, and guide you through the EEOC claim filing process.
What to Expect From Your Employer
Every employer in the state is required to have an anti-sexual harassment policy in place, a system for fielding and resolving claims of sexual harassment internally, and an employer may not retaliate against an employee who files a sexual harassment claim in good faith. After you have experienced any form of sexual harassment at work, you should document the incident in detail and notify your supervisor or the supervisor of the person who harassed you.
Once you make your report, your employer is required to log the incident and take steps to resolve the situation internally. If they fail to do so, or if they do not have a firm anti-harassment policy in place, you have the right to escalate the situation. Filing an EEOC claim will be your next step, and it is possible for your employer to face liability for the sexual harassment you experienced, even if they were not directly involved and were not negligent.
Filing an EEOC Claim for Sexual Harassment
When it comes to how to file a sexual harassment complaint in Los Angeles through the EEOC, your attorney can help make this process easier. You must submit your complaint to the EEOC no later than 180 days following the most recent incident of harassment you experienced. Your complaint should include as much supporting evidence as you can secure, and your attorney can assist you in compiling the complaint.
The EEOC is required to investigate the claim and issue a response within a certain timeframe. It can sometimes take several months to receive a response, and the EEOC may reach out to both you and your employer for more information regarding the claim. Once they approve your claim, they will issue you a Notice of Right to Sue that allows you to proceed with your sexual harassment lawsuit.
While it is vital to know how to file a workplace sexual harassment complaint in Los Angeles, it is important to understand that simply making the report in a timely manner could be crucial to your case. If you file a report to your employer and they do nothing to resolve the matter, the record of your report will be crucial to your later EEOC claim. An experienced attorney can review the details of your situation and advise you on the most viable steps to take to resolve it.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
A: The two types of sexual harassment in the workplace are quid pro quo and hostile work environment. Quid pro quo involves a proposed exchange of sexual favors for job benefits. For example, if your boss offers a promotion in exchange for sex, it is a clear example of quid pro quo sexual harassment. A hostile work environment is created when an employee’s mistreatment makes it impossible for them to do their job.
Q: How Do I Report Sexual Harassment at Work?
A: You should report sexual harassment at work through your employer’s internal reporting policy. Every employer in the state must comply with anti-harassment laws, and this includes implementing and enforcing anti-harassment policies while also providing affected employees with options when they experience harassment. If your report does not generate results, you need to speak with a sexual harassment lawyer as quickly as possible.
Q: When Should I File an EEOC Complaint for Sexual Harassment at Work?
A: You should file an EEOC complaint for sexual harassment at work as quickly as possible after experiencing any form of sexual harassment. You technically have 180 days following your most recent incident of sexual harassment in which to file your claim. Working with an experienced attorney can make this process much easier. Your attorney can help gather evidence to support your claim and guide you through the reporting process efficiently.
Q: What Damages Can I Recover From a Sexual Harassment Suit?
A: The damages you could recover from a sexual harassment suit might include various compensatory damages, such as repayment of lost income and benefits, medical expenses, and other direct financial losses resulting from the harassment you experienced. You can also receive punitive damages, the amount of which will depend on the number of employees your employer has, and you can also claim pain and suffering compensation.
Q: Why Should I Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer?
A: You should hire a sexual harassment lawyer because you are more likely to succeed with your case when you have legal representation on your side. Your attorney can make every aspect of your case easier to manage and more likely to generate positive results. They can make filing your EEOC claim easier, gather evidence that you may have overlooked on your own, and uncover all the various damages you can claim to maximize your case award.
The team at the Diefer Law Group has years of professional experience helping our clients throughout the state with all types of sexual harassment claims, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you. If you are wondering how to file a sexual harassment complaint in Los Angeles, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a trustworthy sexual harassment lawyer.
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