Orange County Same Sex Sexual Harassment Attorney
Orange County Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue throughout California, and this problem can arise in many ways. When most people think of sexual harassment, they might imagine male employers harassing female employees or vice versa, but it is also possible for same sex sexual harassment to occur. Unfortunately, those who engage in this behavior often weaponize accusations of homophobia against their victims, and it’s easy for anyone in this situation to feel lost in terms of determining how to resolve the problem.
Ultimately, it does not matter if you were harassed by someone of the same sex or the opposite sex. Any form of sexual harassment at work is unacceptable, and it is vital to know the value of hiring an Orange County sexual harassment attorney to help you ensure accountability for your experience.
The attorneys at Diefer Law Group know the stress and uncertainty that any incident of sexual harassment can cause, including one in which the parties involved are the same sex. If you are sexually harassed by an employer or supervisor of the same sex, turning down unwanted advances or filing a harassment complaint in good faith against a party of the same sex does not make you “phobic” in any way, and you have the right to a harassment-free workplace. We can assist you in ensuring accountability for your experience and securing compensation for the harm you suffered.
Filing Your Same Sex Sexual Harassment Complaint in Orange County
Sexual harassment can take many forms, from unwanted touching and groping that can constitute sexual assault to more passive forms of harassment, such as sexually charged commentary, creating a hostile work environment, or quid pro quo suggestions from employers or supervisors. If you experience any form of unwanted sexual harassment at work and it does not stop when you make it clear that the behavior is unwanted, you have the right to proceed with a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC is responsible for reviewing all claims of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination in the U.S. If you believe you have been sexually harassed in any way, an Orange County sexual harassment attorney can help you file your EEOC complaint and guide you through the next steps in your case. If the EEOC determines your claim is valid, they will likely issue you a Notice of Right to Sue that lets you proceed with your civil suit against the party who harassed you. The EEOC will sometimes proceed directly with legal action against a defendant.
Diefer Law Group has years of experience in California employment law, and we know the many legal challenges you could encounter as you seek accountability for the sexual harassment you experienced. We’re ready to leverage our experiences and resources to handle your same sex sexual harassment case. The sooner you connect with our team, the more time we have to gather evidence and build a compelling case on your behalf.
Same-Sex Harassment FAQs
Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for Sexual Harassment in Orange County?
A: You have the right to seek full compensation for any economic damages you suffered due to the sexual harassment you experienced. These may include lost income and lost benefits, the cost of new job searches and training, transportation costs, and medical expenses if you required treatment and counseling due to your experience. You can also receive compensatory or punitive damages, but federal law limits how much you can receive based on the number of employees your employer has.Q: How Do I Prove Same Sex Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
A: Proving same sex harassment at work requires the same things as proving any other type of sexual harassment. You must identify the party who harassed you and prove that their conduct was unwanted and harmful. A same sex sexual harassment suit may pertain to a hostile work environment, sexual favoritism on the basis of your sexual orientation, unwanted touching or groping, or a quid pro quo offer that involved job-related benefits in exchange for sex.Q: How Do You Sue for Sexual Harassment in California?
A: If you experience sexual harassment of any kind in a California workplace, you cannot proceed directly with filing a civil suit against the party responsible. You must first file a complaint with the EEOC, and they must investigate the claim. If their investigation shows that you did experience sexual harassment, they will provide you with a Notice of Right to Sue that allows you to proceed with your civil claim against your employer.Q: Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Sexual Harassment Suit in Orange County?
A: Employers in California may have broad flexibility in terms of their ability to fire their employees at their discretion, and at-will employment may apply to your work relationship. However, this does not mean your employer can fire you for an illegal reason. Submitting a sexual harassment complaint in good faith is a legally protected action, and your employer may not engage in any retaliatory measures against you. If they fire you, this could form the basis of a wrongful termination claim.Q: What Will It Cost to Hire an Orange County Sexual Harassment Lawyer?
A: Most employment attorneys in Orange County bill their clients by the hour, so the more time they need to spend on a case, the more it costs the client. However, some attorneys offer contingency fee billing, only collecting fees from a client when they win their case. Take time to carefully review a potential billing policy for an attorney before agreeing to their representation so you know what to expect in terms of the cost of their services.Contact Us for Assistance With Your Same Sex Sexual Harassment Claim
The attorneys at Diefer Law Group have extensive experience handling all types of sexual harassment claims on behalf of Orange County clients, including those involving same sex sexual harassment. Many employees in California are unfortunately unaware of their rights in terms of stopping sexual harassment at work and holding an employer accountable. If you have experienced same sex sexual harassment in any way, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Orange County sexual harassment attorney.