Sexual harassment in the workplace creates an unsafe and hostile work environment that can impact more than just your career. Many victims struggle with emotional distress like anxiety, fear, and even PTSD. If you are facing this kind of harassment in the workplace, you should know that you have the right to safety at work.
A sexual harassment lawyer in Ontario can help you understand the extensive legal protections that are available in California, what options you may have, and what steps to take next. Meanwhile, you will be free to focus on work and other aspects of your life and well-being.
Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has been helping residents of California with all kinds of employment cases since 2016. If you are unsure about what steps to take next, speak to an Ontario employment lawyer from our firm with a free case consultation today.
How Can a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help Me?
Along with providing essential guidance and support, here are some things that a sexual harassment lawyer in Ontario may be able to help you with:
- Explaining whether you have a sexual harassment claim in the first place.
- Gathering evidence and documents to help support your claim.
- Investigating the situation and how your workplace handled things.
- Figuring out if your rights or protections were violated at any point.
- Helping you meet deadlines, as well as administrative and filing requirements.
- Ensuring the full scope of damages that you may have experienced is covered in your claim.
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial.
If you are looking for local representation, our team offers a free consultation with an Ontario, CA, sexual harassment attorney. They can review your situation, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process.
Am I Facing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Sexual harassment can be defined as unwelcome behavior that is sexual in nature. In the workplace, you’ll generally find two major types:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo harassment involves leveraging things like promotions, wage increases, better work terms (i.e., certain hours), and other benefits in exchange for sexual contact or favors. These propositions are illegal and are considered sexual harassment.
Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment is discrimination or misconduct that creates an abusive work environment. To fall under this category, discrimination must be tied to a protected status, such as race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability.
Sometimes it can be challenging to figure out whether what you are experiencing at your place of work is considered sexual harassment. This is exactly why speaking to a lawyer can be helpful; they’ll know the laws and understand what kinds of situations are classified as sexual harassment.
California Laws That May Protect Employees Like You
California has some of the most extensive protections against workplace sexual harassment in the country. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity that fall under the sexual harassment umbrella.
The law also protects against employer retaliation. At the federal level, employees are protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits workplace discrimination and harassment based on sex and other protected characteristics.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
The type and amount of compensation that you may be able to recover will depend on the details of your case. However, here are the typical damages available in sexual harassment cases:
Emotional Distress
This type of harassment can have a huge impact on a victim’s mental health and well-being. Some people experience fear, anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. Loss of enjoyment of life is also another common impact of sexual harassment.
Loss of Income
If the harassment causes missed work days, reduced hours, missed opportunities, or anything else that means losing income, an employee may be able to pursue these damages.
Medical Bills
Victims who sought treatment to recover after experiencing sexual harassment may be compensated for the cost of medical care. This can include therapy, counseling, prescription medications, and other necessary treatment expenses.
Punitive Damages
In severe cases, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the person who caused the harm and discourage them from repeating their conduct in the future.
Attorney Fees
California law may allow victims to recover reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs, which can be helpful when paying for these things out of pocket or through personal funds and savings.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The amount of time you have to file a sexual harassment claim depends on several factors, including whether your claim is brought under California or federal law. In many cases, employees must first file an administrative complaint with the appropriate agency before pursuing a lawsuit.
Because important deadlines can apply and missing them may affect your rights, it is important to act promptly and speak with a sexual harassment lawyer in Santa Ana as soon as possible.
Have you been involved
in an accident?
(310) 526-8383
Contact a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Ontario, CA, Today
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in Ontario, you have options for guidance and support. The last thing you may be focused on is the legal process, but this can be helpful for recovery. A lawyer can do that heavy lifting for you, allowing you to move forward with your life.
Whether you are considering filing a complaint, negotiating a resolution, or pursuing a lawsuit, legal guidance can help you better understand your options.
Contact Omega Law Group today to discuss your situation and learn how an experienced sexual harassment attorney in Ontario may be able to assist you.
