Huntington Park Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sexual harassment can take many forms, and it is important for anyone who experiences this to know what they can do about it. Generally, it is optimal to seek a resolution internally through your workplace when sexual harassment occurs. California and federal laws require all employers to have sexual harassment policies in place and conflict resolution systems ready to address such situations as they arise.

Unfortunately, these internal options often prove fruitless. An experienced Huntington Park sexual harassment lawyer can help their client determine what type of sexual harassment they have experienced and explain the process they will need to complete to resolve the situation. Some of the most commonly reported forms of sexual harassment in California workplaces include:

• Quid pro quo sexual harassment. This usually involves a proposed exchange of job-related benefits for sexual favors. It is also possible for a supervisor or manager to threaten adverse action if the employee does not provide such favors.
• Unwanted sexual advances. While coworkers could develop romantic feelings toward one another, if a coworker approaches another with any type of sexual advance and they are rejected, this behavior must stop immediately.
• Hostile work environments. A hostile work environment makes it difficult or impossible for the victim to perform their job duties. It’s possible for this to develop through sexual commentary, crude remarks, jokes, displays of pornographic material in the workplace, and similar behaviors.
• Inappropriate touching. Any type of sexual harassment that reaches the point of physical contact can potentially cross the line into criminal activity. Unwanted groping or sexual assault may not only lead to a sexual harassment lawsuit but also criminal prosecution for the party who engaged in this behavior.

Whatever type of sexual harassment you experienced, your attorney can gather any evidence and documentation you may need to build a strong complaint to submit to the EEOC. The agency will likely reach out to you to ask questions and will initiate an investigation into your employer. Once the agency has reviewed your claim and approved it, you can proceed with filing your civil lawsuit.

A Huntington Park sexual harassment lawyer can potentially recover various forms of compensation for their client. For example, if you were forced to quit your job or you were wrongfully terminated, you may have grounds to claim lost income and benefits. You could also seek compensation for related economic losses, like your legal expenses and out-of-pocket medical costs, if you lost employer-provided healthcare coverage due to harassment.

It is also possible for the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace to have grounds to claim compensation for their pain and suffering. Your Huntington Park sexual harassment lawyer can help you maximize this aspect of your recovery. Additionally, your employer may be required to pay liquidated damages, and the EEOC often imposes fines for companies that have failed to implement effective anti-harassment policies for their workplaces.

The consequences of sexual harassment can also include various other losses for the employer. The company could suffer reputational damage with partners, clients, and customers, and lost productivity is likely to result from diminished employee morale. Additionally, top talent may be unwilling to apply for positions with the company once they learn of the EEOC complaint, especially if there has been a pattern of such issues.