Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal under California law, but that doesn’t stop it from happening. Unwanted advances, as well as inappropriate comments and behavior, still take place in a range of work environments, leaving you feeling uncomfortable and unsafe.
If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your employer or coworker is harassing you, then you may be able to pursue a claim. A sexual harassment lawyer in San Bernardino can help you get the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand how difficult and upsetting these situations can be, and we approach every case with care and consideration. Our San Bernardino employment lawyers have decades of experience between us. We work hard to protect your rights and will always put your needs first.
How a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in San Bernardino Fights Your Case
A sexual harassment case is a lot to deal with. You have to cope with the emotional distress it has caused, as well as trying to make sense of difficult legal proceedings. By hiring a sexual harassment attorney, you can take one less thing off your plate. Here’s what we can do to help:
Collect and Preserve Evidence
An experienced attorney knows how to gather all the evidence related to your case and use it to determine which laws were violated and how much compensation you could be owed.
We’ll analyze the facts, looking at emails, text messages, witness statements, any surveillance footage, or other records that will help us build your case. And we’ll make sure to preserve everything so it’s all at hand when it comes to filing your claim or going to court.
Complete All Paperwork
Our sexual harassment attorneys in San Bernardino have hands-on experience with California legal proceedings. We can help you file your claim with the appropriate administrative agencies and make sure all documentation is submitted on time, so you never miss a deadline.
Negotiate Your Settlement
Our team will work hard to negotiate with the responsible party. We’ll aim to secure a settlement that is as fair as possible, taking various damages into account, including emotional distress, lost wages, therapy costs, and any additional financial compensation related to the incident.
Go to Trial
If your case ends up proceeding to trial, we’ll be there to represent you. Our lawyers will speak on your behalf, using all the available evidence to build your case and fight your corner.
Who Is Liable for Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
The person responsible for the sexual harassment is usually the one who is held liable. This can include employers, coworkers, supervisors, and, in some cases, vendors. It is also possible for multiple individuals to share liability, depending on the circumstances.
Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Government Code § 12940, employers can also be held liable even if they weren’t directly involved. They have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect employees or respond to any complaints about sexual harassment. Failing to do so could make them partially responsible.
A San Bernardino sexual harassment attorney can help you determine liability. At Omega Law Group, we review every piece of evidence and carefully assess your situation to figure out who might be at fault.
What Is Considered Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
California law recognizes two main forms of sexual harassment in the workplace. These are as follows:
- Quid pro quo: When a supervisor or employer requests sexual favors in exchange for job-related benefits, such as a promotion.
- Hostile work environment: When unwanted advances and inappropriate behavior are severe or pervasive enough that they turn your workplace into an uncomfortable or hostile environment.
Many forms of sexual harassment can fit into any one of these categories. It can be made up of sexual comments/jokes, explicit messages, obscene behavior, inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, or something similar. If you’ve experienced this, you could have a sexual harassment claim on your hands.
What to Do If You Are Being Sexually Harassed at Work
Inappropriate behavior in the workplace should never be tolerated. If you are being sexually harassed, here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
- Document the behavior: Note down lewd comments, log dates and times of any incidents, save explicit messages or photos, and gather witness statements if possible.
- Review company policy: This should tell you how to proceed, giving you more peace of mind before submitting a complaint.
- Report the incident: Depending on the circumstances of your case and how comfortable you feel, tell your supervisor or HR as soon as possible. Try to submit this report in writing so you have a record of it.
- Speak with an attorney: A sexual harassment lawyer in San Bernardino can explain your options and support you throughout the entire claims process.
Reporting an incident like this is never easy, and you may not feel entirely comfortable about it. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an attorney on your side, to help ease the burden.
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Get Help From Omega Law Group
You should be able to go to work and not have to worry about inappropriate behavior from your colleagues. Unfortunately, this is still something many people experience.
At Omega Law Group, we understand how emotionally distressing and difficult it can be to find yourself in this situation. Our legal team can help you file a sexual harassment lawsuit, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Contact us today to discuss your legal options or learn more about what sexual harassment is and what your rights and boundaries are.
