Santa Cruz Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Santa Cruz Sexual Harassment Attorney

Santa Cruz is a community-driven, progressive area that should have a workplace culture that is reflective of the ideals it is known for. However, this is not always the case. If you’re dealing with sexual harassment, it can disrupt your peace of mind, job, and overall career path. Therefore, a detail-oriented and skilled Santa Cruz sexual harassment lawyer from Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA can help you fight for justice and hold the right people accountable.

Safety and Well-Being in Santa Cruz County

On the Women’s Well-Being Index, Santa Cruz County ranks 16th in the state, with a score of 59.3. Ranking even higher in safety, it has a score of 77.8, making it number 20 out of 58 counties. While these numbers are positive, Santa Cruz County reported 116 hospital visits for 100,000 females linked to assault, the 6th highest rate in California. It also had 700 domestic violence calls per 100,000 females.

Even in a place like Santa Cruz that prioritizes wellness and equality, too many people are impacted by harassment and violence, and this can extend to the workplace.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment at Work?

Workplace sexual harassment is defined under California law as any conduct that is unwelcome on the basis of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Examples include repeated flirtation, inappropriate jokes, derogatory comments, inappropriate touching, demands for sexual favors, and outright sexual assault.

It doesn’t matter whether the behavior is subtly occurring or is blatant and linked to a one-time event. If it leads to the development of a hostile work environment or involves quid pro quo harassment, it’s against the law. Examples of quid pro quo harassment include being offered a job with the condition of having to go on a date with the person doing the hiring or having to commit sexual acts to be given a promotion.

Filing a Harassment Claim in Santa Cruz

A dedicated Santa Cruz sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand whether your case may qualify for a legal claim during a free and confidential consultation. If you have a claim, they can assist you with starting the process by filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, whereupon you will have to wait for a Right-to-Sue notice in order to pursue litigation. Claims must be filed within three years of the last state of harassment.

Many victims of harassment in Santa Cruz may bring their cases through the Santa Cruz County Superior Court. We are familiar with both the local court system and state law – in addition to processes and stakeholders – and can, therefore, leverage this knowledge to help you optimize your case.

Santa Cruz Deserves Safe Workplaces

From the Santa Cruz boardwalk to our universities and tech startups, the community of Santa Cruz deserves to benefit from respectful, secure environments, especially in the workplace. If you have been subject to such sexual harassment at work, speaking up can not only help you ensure you receive the recovery you’re entitled to but also contribute to the greater fight towards safe, thriving employment situations.

FAQs

Will My Case Be Confidential?

Yes, if you decide to work with an attorney at Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with strict confidentiality. We do not take any actions, such as contacting your employer or filing a complaint, without first getting your informed consent and approval. Our law firm takes our clients’ safety and comfort extremely seriously, being sure to keep all legal consultations and communications absolutely private.

How Long Does a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Take in California?

The amount of time your sexual harassment suit may take in California is dependent on the specific details of the case. However, the timeline could range anywhere from a few months to a few years. A dedicated attorney from our team can help you understand the factors that may influence timelines, such as the strength of case evidence, court scheduling, and whether the employer agrees to settle early.

What Happens if I Win My Case?

If you have a successful case, you could be entitled to receive significant compensation, including lost wages, reinstatement of your prior position, emotional distress recovery, and a modification of your employer’s practices. The courts could also award lawyers’ fees or order specific policy reforms or training to prevent future instances of harassment from happening at your workplace. Winning your case can help send a message to all harassers.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Quit My Job?

Yes, if you quit your job because of harassment, you may still be entitled to claim. This is because California legislation understands that some work environments can be so toxic that it is unreasonable to ask a person to continue working there. If this is your case, you could still have a valid claim to recover for lost wages, emotional stress, and other types of recovery. A skilled attorney can help you understand your options for a claim.

What’s the Role of the California Civil Rights Department?

The California Civil Rights Department looks into complaints involving harassment and discrimination in the state. It tries to bring cases to a resolution through mediation or settlement, but it can also file a lawsuit or give the harassed individual the opportunity to file a lawsuit. Before being able to bring a clean against your employer in civil court, it is required to first file a complaint with the CRD.

Your attorney can help you understand more about this process.

Ready to Stand Up Against Harassment? Call Now and Let Us Fight You

If you believe that you’re being subject to harassment at work in Santa Cruz, it is crucial to take action right away. A dedicated sexual harassment attorney from Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA is ready to support you – from collecting compelling evidence on your behalf to filing a complaint with the CRD. We don’t charge anything upfront. Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.