Anaheim Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Anaheim Sexual Harassment Attorney

You need the support of an experienced legal representative if you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment. At Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP, our Anaheim sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your legal options and receive the justice you deserve.

Unfortunately, California ranks fourth nationally when it comes to charges filed with the U.S. Sexual harassment is especially prevalent in the hospitality and tourism sector, and that makes up a large portion of Anaheim’s economy, with huge employers like Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is an umbrella term for any unwelcome sexual behavior. These can be verbal or physical actions such as:

• Inappropriate touching, such as fondling, hugging, or kissing.
• Sexually suggestive jokes, comments about someone’s appearance, sharing information about others’ sexual activity, or spreading rumors.
• Sexist comments.
• Unwanted sexual advances through phone calls, unsolicited letters, or workspace visits.
• Sexually suggestive body language or gestures.
• Displaying sexually suggestive material in a personal or communal workspace.
• Spying on peeping at someone.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo harassment is a “this for that” situation where a person who has authority over another, such as a manager or supervisor, demands sexual favors in exchange for work-related perks. These perks can be a new job or promotion, a more desirable schedule, a raise, or just keeping their job.

If you are unsure whether a recent work situation counts as sexual harassment, you should seek legal support from a knowledgeable Anaheim Sexual Harassment attorney. It can be incredibly challenging to gather evidence and advocate for yourself. Additionally, many employees who experience sexual harassment worry about employer retaliation if they decide to move forward with a complaint. When you have legal representation, this can take that stress off your shoulders.

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Sexual Harassment

If you are a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you should take action. It is recommended that you start by reviewing your employer’s sexual harassment policy and follow its outlined procedures. You should also document every incident thoroughly by noting dates, times, who is involved, and if there were any issues. You should also inform your employer about the harassment and that you are going to take action.

Filing a Complaint

If you decide to file a complaint, you have a few options.

• California Civil Rights Department (CRD): This state agency defends those who experience employment discrimination. They can pursue damages on your behalf or issue a “right-to-sue” notice. You can file a complaint through the mail, online, or over the phone.
• EEOC: Federal anti-discrimination laws are enforced through the EEOC. You are not required to file with both the CRD and the EEOC, as they automatically cross-file complaints.

Seeking Legal Support

Our team at Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP, understands how overwhelmed you may be feeling right now. Navigating sexual harassment in the workplace can be mentally and emotionally taxing. We can support you by:

• Helping you determine liability
• Conducting investigations
• Assisting with paperwork
• Negotiating on your behalf
• Helping collect any compensation you are owed

Compensation for Sexual Harassment Claims in Anaheim, CA

The compensation in a sexual harassment claim in Anaheim, CA will depend on the employee’s situation and what they wish to recover. For example, if someone was forced to quit their job due to the situation, they might wish to be reinstated to their old position. Or, they might just prefer to leave the job behind them.

The potential damages you might recover include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages may be awarded to help an employee recover from any financial losses caused by sexual harassment. This might include compensation for lost wages and benefits and missed promotions. For example, if an employee resigns due to continued sexual harassment, they could be compensated for the income they would have earned.

Non-Economic Damages

Sexual harassment can significantly impact a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Non-economic damages can include compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, stress, and mental anguish.

FAQs About Anaheim, CA Sexual Harassment Laws

Q: What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment?

A: Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual requests for sexual favors, advances, or any physical or verbal behaviors that create a hostile or offensive work environment. Some of the most common examples of sexual harassment are sexual jokes, comments about a person’s body, sexually suggestive remarks, staring, leering, or explicit emails or texts

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Harassment Claim in California?

A: The length of time you have to file a sexual harassment claim in California depends on whether you are filing with a state or federal agency or through a private claim. If you’re filing a complaint with the CRD, you generally have up to three years from the date of the last alleged incident. If you choose to file a private claim, the deadline is typically two years from that date.

Q: What Can I Recover if I Win My Sexual Harassment Case in California?

A: If you win a sexual harassment case in California, you could recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are lost wages, medical expenses, and any compensation that covers out-of-pocket expenses caused by the harassment. Non-economic damages provide compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The amount and type of damages that could be recovered will depend on each unique case.

Q: When Should You Get a Lawyer for Sexual Harassment?

A: You should consider contacting a lawyer as soon as you experience any type of sexual harassment at work. This can be especially important due to the tight statute of limitations for filing claims. An attorney can help you understand your rights, gather any evidence, navigate internal reporting processes, and ensure that you do not miss any of those important deadlines.

Contact Our Experienced Anaheim Sexual Harassment Lawyer

You have the right to a workplace that is free from harassment, and our team is here to protect those rights. If you have experienced any form of sexual harassment while on the job, you deserve justice. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and the next steps.