Santa Monica Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Santa Monica Sexual Harassment Attorney

Working a job can be a fulfilling and exciting experience. You can learn new skills, make new friendships, and help others. However, few things can ruin your enjoyable employment more than experiencing workplace sexual harassment. Sometimes, these situations can grow so intense that they result in wrongful termination or retaliation. If you believe you are a victim of sexual harassment, a Santa Monica sexual harassment lawyer is here to help.

In California, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or DFEH, works to protect those experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. At Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA, our team has over 30 years of experience fighting for the victims of unfair treatment in their workplace. Sexual harassment can take many forms, and we are here to hold your employer liable for the harm you have suffered. Let us fight for you today.

Defining Sexual Harassment in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, CA sexual harassment can include behaviors of unwanted sexual contact or communication and can often be based on the gender of the victim. In most cases, this harassment will create a hostile work environment for the victim, making it difficult for them to continue their work. This harassment might also come from a workplace superior, such as a manager, supervisor, or boss. It can also come from a coworker or client of your company.

In California, there are two main types of workplace sexual harassment, including:

• Quid pro quo. This form of sexual harassment occurs when an individual in power over others or in a position of authority, such as a boss, supervisor, manager, or owner of the company, requests a sexual favor from an employee in exchange for certain workplace benefits. These benefits can include raises, promotions, or positive performance reviews. Quid pro quo sexual harassment can also occur when an individual in authority threatens an employee with workplace retaliation if they refuse to grant sexual favors. Forms of retaliation can include suffering a demotion, termination, unfavorable work schedule, or a poor performance review.

• Hostile work environment. If another employee makes certain verbal remarks or physical, unwanted advances based on the sex or gender of another employee, this can be considered a hostile work environment. These verbal remarks or physical advances must be so severe that they cause the victim to become unable to continue doing their work.

There are several forms that sexual harassment can take in the workplace, and it is vital that individuals know how to recognize these moments. Some examples of workplace sexual harassment can include the following:

• Unwanted sexual advances. This often includes any unwelcome physical contact, such as kissing, hugging, or groping. It can also include verbal advances, such as requests for sexual favors.
• Circulating inappropriate material. This can include the showing or sharing of sexually explicit videos, images, or other material in the workplace or in a setting that is deemed to be professional. These materials can range from those which are offensive or suggestive to items of actual pornography.
• Offensive jokes or comments. When an individual makes sexually suggestive jokes, comments, or statements about the body, appearance, or gender of another employee, this can be considered workplace sexual harassment.
• Inappropriate sexual online actions. This form of workplace sexual harassment can include sending messages, texts, social media messages, or emails, including materials deemed to be sexually explicit. Even if the messages are not sent during work hours, they can still count when exchanged between professionals and are unwanted or unwelcome.
• Coercion or intimidation. When an individual in the workplace uses intimidation, threats, or other various forms of pressure to coerce someone into sexual activities, it can be viewed as a form of sexual harassment.

Why Choose Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA?

At Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA, we only take on cases in which we feel confident we can win. This means that there is no charge if your case is won. We understand the overwhelming feelings often experienced by victims of workplace sexual harassment and are here to help you navigate the situation with confidence and assurance that you have the right legal team fighting in your corner.

FAQs

What Is the Harassment Law in California?

In California, the main law that addresses workplace sexual harassment is the Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA. This law ensures that all California employees are protected based on certain characteristics, including an employee’s sex, age, race, religion, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or presentation, and disability.

How Much Does a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Charge in California?

It can be difficult to offer an exact number of how much a sexual harassment lawyer might charge for their services in California, as each firm structures its fees differently. Often, these fees will be based on the experience of your lawyer and the complexity of your case. However, at Makarem & Associates, we do not charge attorney fees and are here to cover these costs.

What Victim Recovery am I Entitled to in California?

If you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment in California, there are certain forms of compensation you may be able to recover, depending on the nature and severity of your case. These forms of compensation can include medical and psychiatric expenses, lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and, in some rare cases, punitive damages.

How Do I Prove Sexual Harassment in California?

Though it can be difficult to prove sexual harassment in some cases, there are certain forms of evidence that can be beneficial to have. For example, to prove your case, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you suffered unwelcome, severe, pervasive, or offensive sexual contact. Evidence that can help prove this can include emails, text messages, and documentation of incidents, including dates, times, and locations.

Speak With a Compassionate Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today

If you believe that you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment in Santa Monica, you do not have to face this situation alone. Instead, turn to the compassionate team at Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA. Let us fight for justice in your case. Contact our offices today to schedule an initial consultation with our team.