Costa Mesa Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Costa Mesa Sexual Harassment Attorney
Sexual harassment is a pervasive problem throughout all industries, but unfortunately, many people who experience this mistreatment at work aren’t fully aware of their options, and some are hesitant to act out of fear of losing their jobs. If you have experienced any type of sexual harassment in your workplace, it is vital that you speak with a trustworthy Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer as quickly as possible.
Representing Sexual Harassment Claims in Costa Mesa, CA
The Diefer Law Group has more than 60 years of combined experience resolving all types of employment law cases on behalf of clients throughout the Costa Mesa area, including sexual harassment suits. We know the emotional strain you have likely experienced and the fears you may have about losing your job if you report sexual harassment. However, it is vital to assert your rights and to know how you can resolve this problem when it arises.
Our firm takes a client-focused approach to resolving sexual harassment cases. We know that no two cases are alike, and no two clients have had the exact same experiences. We tailor our approach to every case we accept to the individual client’s unique needs and concerns. When you choose our firm as your legal representation, you are investing in a dedicated and responsive legal advocate you trust to guide you through each step of your case.
A sexual harassment suit is a type of civil claim, but you cannot approach this kind of case as you would any other civil claim for damages. Before you can hold your harasser accountable and recover compensation for the damages they caused, you first need to file a claim to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the US Department of Labor agency responsible for enforcement of US workplace discrimination and harassment laws.
Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment typically occurs in two ways in US workplaces. The first is quid pro quo, and this involves a manager or supervisor proposing a transaction to a subordinate employee. They may offer job-related benefits in exchange for sexual favors, or they may demand sexual favors so the employee can prevent job-related punishments. Either form is entirely unacceptable and constitutes sexual harassment.
The other form of sexual harassment is a hostile work environment. A work environment can become hostile to a targeted employee if the sexual harassment they experience prevents them from performing their job duties. This could happen in various ways, including sexual comments, rude gestures, unwelcome sexual advances, or displays of pornography. If any such behavior interferes with your ability to work, it is a hostile work environment.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as grounds to file a sexual harassment suit in Costa Mesa, it is vital that you consult with a qualified attorney as quickly as possible. Your legal team can review the details of your situation, help gather the evidence you will need to compile a solid case, and explain what you can expect when it comes to resolving the situation and holding your harasser accountable.
It is important to understand that if you are harassed by any party in your workplace and your employer cannot resolve the situation internally to your satisfaction, they face liability for your damages even if they did not directly participate in the harassment you experienced. Ultimately, many sexual harassment claims are inherently complex, another reason it is so vital to have legal representation you trust on your side to help you file this type of case.
Building Your Sexual Harassment Suit in Costa Mesa
One of the common problems facing victims of sexual harassment in Costa Mesa is an apparent lack of evidence. Whenever an employer, supervisor, manager, or other party knowingly engages in any form of sexual harassment at work, they are typically careful not to leave any evidence behind. They will take steps to prevent any records of their communications with the victim as well. However, it does not mean you cannot find evidence to support your case.
Your Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer can help you secure various forms of evidence that could prove vital to your case. This could include copies of internal correspondence at your workplace, group chat records, security camera footage, and testimony from witnesses. If any current or former employees have had similar experiences, their statements could also be useful to your case.
Once you have the documentation and other evidence needed to support your claim, you can submit your complaint to the EEOC. You have 180 days from your most recent incident of harassment to file this claim, and the EEOC is required to respond in a timely manner. They will investigate your claim, potentially reaching out to both you and your employer for more information.
If the EEOC determines you were sexually harassed and approves your claim, they are likely to issue you a Notice of Right to Sue that allows you to proceed with your civil suit and will provide additional guidance as to the next steps to take with your case. In some cases, the EEOC may initiate legal proceedings against a defendant directly. Once your complaint is approved, your Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer can explain what to expect.
Resolving Your Sexual Harassment Case in Costa Mesa
Once the EEOC has approved your complaint, success with your sexual harassment claim is likely, and your employer will be inclined to secure a settlement as swiftly as possible. Your Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer can be essential for resolving your case. They can help navigate settlement negotiations and secure maximum compensation for your damages, and if your case proceeds to litigation, you can count on them to represent you in court.
When it comes to the damages you could potentially secure, you have the right to claim compensation for economic and non-economic damages the defendant inflicted with their sexual harassment. Economic damages could include pay and benefits you were unable to earn or receive because of the harassment you experienced, and your non-economic damages pertain to physical pain and psychological suffering.
Punitive damages may also be awarded. Under state law, both compensatory and punitive damages awarded in sexual harassment suits are limited based on the number of employees in a workplace. The more employees your employer has, the more these caps increase. Your Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer can help determine the full range of compensation you can potentially secure with your suit.
FAQs for Sexual Harassment Attorneys
Q: Will the Defendant in a Sexual Harassment Case Go to Jail?
A: A defendant in a sexual harassment case may go to jail if their actions meet the legal definition of sexual misconduct. Typically, it will apply to any case in which the harasser made physical contact with the victim, such as unwanted groping or overt sexual assault. Penalties for sexual misconduct in the state can include jail time, and penalties for sexual battery are much more serious, potentially including felony prosecution and sex offender status for the defendant.Q: How Do I Prove Sexual Harassment at Work in Costa Mesa?
A: You can prove sexual harassment at work in Costa Mesa by leveraging any evidence you can secure to prove the truth of your experience, along with witness testimony. One of the most challenging aspects of these cases is securing solid evidence to build the claim, but when you have an experienced Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer representing you, they will know what type of evidence you will need to build a strong foundation for your claim.Q: What Compensation Can I Recover for Sexual Harassment?
A: The compensation you could recover for sexual harassment may include compensatory damages for lost income and benefits, pain and suffering compensation to account for any physical pain and psychological distress the harasser caused, and punitive damages awarded based on the number of employees employed at your company. Your Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer can offer an estimate of your claim’s potential value.Q: Is My Employer Liable for Sexual Harassment in Costa Mesa?
A: Yes, your employer is liable for sexual harassment in Costa Mesa, even if they are not found negligent. An employer has a legal responsibility to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, implement a strict anti-harassment policy, and have an internal conflict resolution process in place if any form of sexual harassment does occur. Your attorney can explain how your employer’s liability factors affect your case.Q: Why Should I Hire a Costa Mesa Sexual Harassment Lawyer?
A: You should hire a Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer because you’re more likely to win your case with their help. Your attorney can make every aspect of your claim easier for you to manage, they can find evidence and testimony to support your case that you may have overlooked on your own, and they will know how to navigate the EEOC claim filing process. You can also count on them to find all the various damages you can recover with your claim.The team at the Diefer Law Group can provide compassionate legal counsel when you need it most for your impending sexual harassment claim in Costa Mesa. We take time to listen to each client’s unique story and provide them with focused, responsive legal guidance through all stages of their claims. Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation with a Costa Mesa sexual harassment lawyer and learn how we can assist you with your case.
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