Torrance Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Torrance Sexual Harassment Attorney

One day, you’re sitting at your desk or having lunch in the breakroom, and it happens: an inappropriate touch, an unwanted sexual proposition, a lewd stare or gesture. Sexual harassment is illegal, and a Torrance sexual harassment lawyer can help you file a claim.

At Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA, our attorneys have over three decades of experience helping those who have faced sexual harassment at their California place of work. We only take on cases we are confident we can win and only charge when a case is lost.

Defining Sexual Harassment in Torrance

Sexual harassment is a broad term that works to define inappropriate behaviors or actions that are sexual in nature and tend to interfere with your ability to perform the necessary duties of your job. There are several examples that can be categorized as sexual harassment, including the following:

• Any personal comments or remarks that are sexually suggestive
• The circulation of inappropriate or offensive photos, emails, or text messages that are sexual in nature
• Pressuring coworkers or subordinates for dates or sexual favors
• Requesting sexual favors
• Any name-calling, teasing, or jokes that refer to sexual acts or an individual’s sexual orientation
• Sexual assault and even rape
• Discussing sexual stories, fantasies, or relations in the workplace when it is unwanted or unwelcome by the involved parties
• Any unwanted or unwelcome touching, hugging, kissing, groping, or massaging, and any other forms of physical contact or sexual advances
• Spreading rumors regarding the sexual life or orientation of a coworker
• Making remarks or comments about an employee’s appearance, attractiveness, sexual body, or looks
• Making sexually suggestive or lewd stares, gestures, or jokes

There are several kinds of sexual harassment that can take place at work. Your claim may fall under one of the three following sexual harassment categories:

• Sex discrimination. While there are many examples of sexual harassment in the workplace, when harassment is based on a protected characteristic of the victim, this is considered sex discrimination. This can include characteristics of gender identity and expression, marital status, sex or gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related health conditions.
• Hostile work environment. This kind of sexual harassment can occur when the unwanted or unwelcome behavior or actions become so severe and pervasive that your workplace becomes hostile, offensive, or intimidating, and you become unable to perform the necessary duties of your employment. These incidents of sexual harassment can come from a boss, a subordinate, a coworker or peer, or a third-party client or contractor.
• Quid pro quo. This form of harassment occurs when an individual in a position of power, such as a boss, employer, manager, or supervisor, offers certain workplace benefits, such as a promotion, wage raise, or positive performance review, in exchange for the granting of sexual favors. Additionally, the offender may threaten certain forms of workplace retaliation if the favors are not granted, like a demotion or wrongful termination.

How to File Your Sexual Harassment Claim

When you face sexual harassment at your place of work, it is essential to file a claim to protect your future well-being and the well-being of others at your job. You have the power to keep this behavior from continuing and the power to protect your rights. To file a claim, you will need to take certain steps. These steps include the following:

• You should start by keeping a detailed record of any sexual harassment you face. This can include dates, locations, times, witness information, and descriptions of the behavior you suffer. You should also keep track of evidence like texts, emails, or social media messages.
• Reporting to your employer. You should follow your company’s guidelines for reporting the harassment. This may involve submitting a complaint in writing or discussing the harassment with a representative from your company’s HR department.
• Filing a complaint. If your employer does not address the issue in a reasonable manner, you have the ability to file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the DFEH.
• Seeking representation. Finally, it can prove vital to seek the legal assistance of a sexual harassment attorney who can help support you through the entire legal process of your claim and make you aware of all options available to you in your case.

FAQs

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Sexual Harassment?

There are several forms of evidence that can be used to prove a sexual harassment claim in California. These can include any copies of communications in writing that depict the harassment, including emails, text messages, or social media messages, eyewitness testimony, any audio or video recordings of the harassment, and any pay stubs showing a promotion or demotion.

What Is Victim Recovery in a Sexual Harassment Claim?

In a sexual harassment case, there are several forms of compensation from which a victim can recover. These can include payments for any financial losses connected to the case, compensation for emotional harm suffered, lost wages, the reinstatement of job benefits or lost opportunities, and, in rare cases, punitive damages to punish your offender or employer.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Harassment Case?

In California, if your coworker is sexually harassing you, they are personally liable for the harm you suffer, whether or not your employer knew or should have been aware of the harassment. However, employers can be held liable if the harassment was committed by a manager or employer, regardless of whether or not that employer knew or should have known about the harassment.

What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Charge?

In California, according to the Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA, an individual who faces sexual harassment in their workplace has three years from the incident of sexual harassment to report it or file a claim. There are some special circumstances or exceptions that can apply, depending on the nature of your case.

Speak With a Confidential Torrance Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today

With Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA as your legal advocate and ally in Torrance, CA, it is time to hold your offender and even your employer accountable for the sexual harassment you have faced. Let us come alongside you and protect your professional future and well-being. Contact our offices in Torrance offices today to learn more about our services and schedule your initial consultation with our team.