Irvine Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Irvine Sexual Harassment Attorney

Every Californian has the right to a harassment-free workplace. Unfortunately, not all employers are willing or able to provide one. If you’ve become the victim of sexual harassment, don’t try to ignore it. Hold the offending party or parties responsible by contacting an Irvine sexual harassment lawyer.

The team here at Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP includes experienced sexual harassment attorneys. We can help you with everything from filing a claim to taking your employer or coworker to court if needed. With years of experience working on sexual harassment cases, we have what it takes to provide you with exceptional representation.

What Is Considered Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

In California, workplace sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct based on sex. It occurs in all kinds of businesses, including major employers in the area like the Walt Disney Company. Workplace sexual harassment comes in two forms, both of which are covered under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act: hostile work environment sexual harassment and quid pro quo sexual harassment.

Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment

Hostile work environment sexual harassment is more common than quid pro quo, in part because anyone in the workplace can commit it. The perpetrator simply engages in unwelcome conduct based on the victim’s sex, which creates a workplace that feels hostile to a reasonable person. In some cases, the actions target a specific person, but they don’t have to. To be considered sexual harassment, an employee’s or employer’s actions must be:

• Unwelcome: Even if the victim goes along with the harassment at the time, the harasser’s conduct can still be considered unwelcome because many people feel that they have no choice but to acquiesce to the behavior to avoid losing their jobs.
• Offensive to a reasonable person: A worker’s conduct must also be offensive to a reasonable person, not just the person claiming sexual harassment. This standard takes into account the context of the victim’s circumstances in addition to the incident itself.
• Severe or pervasive: To create a hostile work environment, a person must engage in conduct that is either repetitive or very serious. While some sexual harassment cases occur due to a single act, most occur over time.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo translates directly into English as “something for something.” In this case, it refers to supervisors or managers offering a workplace benefit in return for a sexual favor. This type of sexual harassment also covers threatening subordinates with retaliatory action like demotion, termination, or a bad review because they rejected sexual advances. The nature of quid pro quo sexual harassment means it is always committed by someone in power.

Why Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Unfortunately, cases of sexual harassment in the workplace are on the rise. The EEOC reported over 7,700 charges nationwide in 2023, which is up almost 25% from the year before. Data from a different EEOC study shows that women filed 78.2% of the sexual harassment claims from 2012 to 2021. To make matters worse, the EEOC estimates that 90% of workers who say they’ve experienced harassment never file claims.

We understand why so many people forgo filing sexual harassment claims. As of 2020, around 55% of claims result in retaliation from employers, and the claim-filing process is not a simple one. We can help you deal with the complexities of the legal system and protect your rights. Legally, your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a claim. We can help you ensure that they don’t.

Our law firm has been in practice advocating for employee rights for years. Our sexual harassment attorneys in Irvine have over four decades of combined experience representing clients and have developed a strong reputation for defending workers across many industries. Whether you want to settle outside of court or head to the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana to take your case to trial, we can help. If you think it’s time to hire a sexual harassment lawyer, please reach out.

FAQs About Irvine, CA Sexual Harassment Laws

How Hard Is It to Win a Sexual Harassment Case?

Winning a sexual harassment case can be hard because you have to prove that the offending party’s behavior created a hostile work environment and was severe or pervasive. Collecting evidence of workplace harassment can be challenging, and it sometimes takes years to navigate the legal system surrounding sexual harassment laws. Hire a sexual harassment attorney who can help.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Sexual Harassment Case in Irvine?

For a sexual harassment case in Irvine, you need evidence of unwanted sexual behavior. Evidence can include emails, text messages, recordings, or witness testimonies. You should also record complaints you make to HR or negative job changes that have resulted from the harassment and keep a detailed journal of each incident.

What Lawyer Do I Need to File a Claim Against Someone for Sexual Harassment in Irvine?

To file a claim against someone for sexual harassment in Irvine, you need a sexual harassment lawyer. These legal professionals are familiar with sexual harassment laws on both a national and local level and have experience with filing claims and providing evidence. If you’ve been experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, hiring a lawyer should be your first step toward resolving the issue and moving on with your career.

How Do I Prove Sexual Harassment in California?

Proving sexual harassment in California requires showing that an employer offered a quid pro quo arrangement or that a coworker’s inappropriate behavior is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. You should document the incidents and witness details, preserve digital evidence, collect physical evidence, and hire a sexual harassment attorney who can help you with your claim.

Work With an Irvine Sexual Harassment Lawyer Who Can Help

The law firm of Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP has handled many sexual harassment cases over the years, providing legal advice and assistance in a supportive environment. We know this is a difficult time for you, and we strive to provide you with answers, support, and the proper guidance to secure the compensation that you need to move forward. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.