Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Retaliation Lawyer
Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Retaliation Attorney
Facing sexual harassment in the workplace can be a frightening situation to find oneself in. No one deserves to suffer this form of mistreatment, and while great strides have been made in this area of employment law across the country, scenarios of this very issue still play out across California every day. When you are forced to face retaliation as a victim of sexual harassment, the stress increases. A Los Angeles sexual harassment retaliation lawyer can help.
Retaliation is a term used to describe when adverse action is taken against an employee in response to them partaking in a legally protected action. One example would be an employee filing a sexual harassment claim if they have suffered such in the workplace. The unfortunate reality is that many employees suffer both sexual harassment and subsequent retaliation at their place of employment. Thankfully, the attorneys at Diefer Law Group are here to help.
What Is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
In California, sexual harassment does not actually have to include sex or physical sexual acts. It can simply include behaviors like intimidation, teasing, or offensive comments being made based on stereotypes or someone’s appearance. It can also include bullying an individual or group of employees based on their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. There are two main forms of sexual harassment that can occur in a workplace, including the following:
- Hostile Work Environment: This form of workplace sexual harassment can occur when any unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature makes a working environment intimidating, threatening, or abusive, and it becomes so severe, persistent, or pervasive in nature that it affects an individual’s ability to fulfill the duties of their job in an effective manner. In some cases, the harasser may be a superior but can also include a coworker.
- Quid Pro Quo: This form of workplace sexual harassment can occur when an employee is asked for sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits such as a raise in wages, increased hours, more desired hours, or a promotion. If these favors are not granted, they might suffer a threat of demotion, termination, or having to work a less desirable shift. These actions can all count as sexual harassment retaliation.
If you have suffered either form of sexual harassment at your place of work and have filed a harassment claim in Los Angeles, CA and been retaliated against, the attorneys at Diefer Law Group are here to help.
Diefer Law Group: Defending You Against the Violation of Your Employment Rights
While it is true that an employer has the right to fire any employee at their discretion, and there is no requirement to provide advance notice or cite a specific reason, an employer cannot fire an employee for an illegal reason. If you file a sexual harassment claim in good faith, meaning you are truthful with your claim and are not seeking to cause legal problems for the accused or simply seeking a monetary reward, any adverse mistreatment or firing in response to your claim would likely constitute retaliation.
At Diefer Law Group, we know how terrifying it can be to face retaliation at your place of work for simply exercising your legal rights as an employee. We are firm believers in the fact that no one should have to face sexual harassment, especially not at their job, and that everyone is entitled to a safe and healthy work environment. With over 60 years of combined experience, the team at Diefer Law Group can hold your employer liable for the injustices you have faced.
We have the legal knowledge necessary to build a strategic framework against the retaliation you have suffered. Additionally, we can work to prove the act of sexual harassment you faced and hold the individuals responsible. We will leave no stone unturned in your defense as we work to secure the justice and compensation you deserve for what you have gone through. No one deserves to face sexual harassment or retaliation.
How to Recognize Sexual Harassment Retaliation
There are several ways you can recognize sexual harassment retaliation in your place of employment. The following forms of retaliation are the most common:
- A salary reduction or sudden decrease in your salary without being given a legitimate or clear reason
- Suffering exclusion from certain meetings or projects. This can be used as a tactic to marginalize those who have reported sexual harassment
- Suffering a demotion or job reassignment, such as being moved into a less-than-desirable position
The following reasons are more subtle but just as illegal after denying sexual favors or reporting sexual harassment:
- Facing increased scrutiny or criticism regarding your work for no real or clear reason
- Being denied certain training or promotion opportunities for no clear or valid reason
Becoming isolated from group conversations or activities and suffering a hostile work environment
FAQs
Q: What Damages Are Available in a Sexual Harassment Retaliation Case in California?
A: There are several damages you might be able to recover in a sexual harassment retaliation case in California, depending on the exact nature of the retaliation. Potential damages can include lost wages, lost benefits, emotional distress or pain and suffering damages, back pay, front pay, and, in some rare cases, punitive damages.
Q: How Do You Prove Retaliation in California?
A: There are three main elements that must be proven in a retaliation claim. First, it must be demonstrated that the retaliation you suffered was acted upon due to a legally protected action. Second, your attorney must prove that your employer retaliated against you in an illegal manner, such as firing you, demoting you, or docking your pay, and thirdly, you must show that there is a connection between the action you took and their retaliation response.
Q: How Much Does a Sexual Harassment Retaliation Lawyer Cost in California?
A: Attorneys who handle sexual harassment retaliation claims can use differing methods to handle their client fees. Some might charge based on a contingency fee, while others charge per hour for their services. However, it is important to remember there are several common factors which can impact all attorney charges including the overall duration and complexity of the case and the attorney’s overall experience.
Q: What Are Some Examples of Psychological Effects of Sexual Harassment Retaliation?
A: If you have suffered retaliation in your workplace due to sexual harassment, there are several negative impacts this situation may have on your emotional and psychological health. You may begin to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. You could also start feeling lonely and isolated, especially from your coworkers, and also can suffer a massive blow to your self-worth.
Speak With a Trusted Employment Law Attorney Today
If you believe that you have been retaliated against in the workplace due to the reporting of sexual harassment or denying certain sexual favors asked of you in a quid pro quo case, the attorneys at Diefer Law Group are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.
Los Angeles Practice Areas
ES