San Bernardino Sexual Harassment Lawyer

San Bernardino Sexual Harassment Attorney

No matter the size or nature of your workplace, sexual harassment is still a serious problem across California. Over the years, San Bernardino has seen a large expanse when it comes to warehouses, hospitals, office spaces, and other work environments, all of which carry the risk of sexual harassment. Even though a majority of these companies have policies in place to stop harassment, this treatment still occurs, and a San Bernardino sexual harassment lawyer can help.

At Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA, we understand how overwhelming and fear-inducing it might feel to face sexual harassment at your place of work. For over 30 years, we have been helping victims of this treatment recover the compensation and justice they deserve. We only take on cases we are confident we can win and only charge if a case is lost. Our firm also covers all attorney fees so that you can worry about getting back on your feet rather than legal costs. We’re here to help,

Defining Sexual Harassment in San Bernardino

Sexual harassment is prohibited in California, yet instances of this treatment can take place in almost every working environment. Workplace sexual harassment can take many forms, including the following:

• Unwelcome or unwanted sexual conduct or advances
• Inappropriately requesting sexual favors
• Sexually charged or explicit physical or verbal harassment
• Offensive comments made about another individual’s sex or gender
• Circulating sexually graphic or explicit content or materials
• Using leering, offensive, or obscene gestures or sounds of a sexual nature
• Speculating about another’s sexual orientation or gender identity
• Speculating or circulating rumors regarding the personal sexual life of a coworker

There are two main forms a sexual harassment case can take in San Bernardino, CA. These include:

• Quid pro quo harassment. This type of sexual harassment occurs when a person in a position of authority over others in the workplace uses their power to pressure a subordinate into providing them with requested sexual favors. Typically, this individual will offer certain benefits to the employee in exchange for the sexual favor, including a promotion, raise, desired work schedule, or positive performance review. A person who perpetrates this form of harassment may also threaten their target with certain forms of workplace retaliation if they do not grant the sexual favor. This might include wrongful termination, a demotion, an undesirable work schedule, or an unwarranted negative performance review. It is important to document all instances of this kind of harassment, including all emails or text messages involved.

• Hostile work environment. This form of workplace sexual harassment can occur when your employer fosters a hostile work environment. This typically means that you are being regularly met with sexual harassment or conduct that has become severe and continuous enough that your working conditions have become oppressive or you are unable to perform the necessary duties of your job.
  Unlike in a quid pro quo harassment case, the individual perpetrating the harassment does not need to be in a position of authority over you and can be a coworker, subordinate, client, or third-party contractor.

How to Report Sexual Harassment

If you suffer sexual harassment at your workplace, there are several steps you can take. These include:

• Speaking with an experienced attorney. They can help you protect your legal rights and make you aware of the options you have moving forward. Among your legal rights include the right to file a complaint with your employer and seek compensation for all harm caused by the incident.
• Speaking with the offender. You should make them aware that their conduct or advances are not welcome or wanted. This can keep them from trying to make the excuse that they did not realize they were harassing you with their behavior.
• Filing a complaint with your supervisors. If the offender does not stop their behavior or you do not feel safe confronting them, file an official complaint. It is important that you have an attorney on your side who can help you file your claim and ensure that it is done correctly to avoid any delays.
• Document the harassment. You should ensure that you have documented all the details surrounding the harassment, such as the day on which it occurred, where it took place, and at what time. You should also note the effects the harassment has had on you and how it has impacted your ability to perform your job. This will help you greatly should your case go to court.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Settlement?

It can be difficult to offer an exact timeline as to when a settlement may be reached in a sexual harassment case. This is because there are several variables involved in these cases that can impact the time frame. These variables can include the complexity of your case, the availability of the evidence, and the cooperation from all parties involved.

What Victim Recovery Is Available in Sexual Harassment Claims?

There are several forms of recovery or compensation that can be pursued in a sexual harassment claim. These include any lost wages or employment benefits, medical or counseling costs, and emotional distress recovery, such as in the case of suffering emotional pain or conditions like anxiety or PTSD because of the harassment.

Will I Need to Go to Court for My Sexual Harassment Case?

Though most cases of sexual harassment can be settled outside of a courtroom, some cases will require court and litigation. In these instances, an attorney can be crucial to the success of your case. Your attorney can argue your case before a judge and jury, ensure your rights are protected, and advocate for your interests.

What Is the Anti-Harassment Law in California?>

In California, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing prohibits all unlawful discrimination or harassment based on certain protected characteristics of employees. These protected characteristics can include an employee’s age, medical condition, genetic information, race, religion, skin color, disability, sexual orientation, country of origin, gender identity and presentation, sex, and gender.

Speak With a Compassionate Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today

No one deserves to face sexual harassment at work. If you believe you have been targeted by workplace sexual harassment, contact the offices of Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA today. Whatever your case may entail, we are here to help.