Sexual harassment is something that no employee should have to deal with in the workplace. However, it happens all too frequently in workplaces across the country. Recent EEOC studies suggest that nearly 40% of women in the U.S. have been the victim of sexual harassment in their workplace. According to Garden Grove sexual harassment lawyers, the numbers are likely even higher since many instances of sexual harassment go unreported.
Remember that men can also be victims of sexual harassment. Harassers can also be men or women, and they can even be the same sex as the victim. People who are forced to deal with sexual harassment can suffer mental anguish, depression, and anxiety. They may also be fearful of entering their workplace each day.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, you do not have to put up with it. You also do not have to go through this situation alone. The discrimination lawyers in Garden Grove from Gutierrez Law Firm can help, and we will be by your side every step of the way. Contact our Garden Grove sexual harassment attorneys today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Why Choose Our Garden Grove Sexual Harassment Attorneys to Represent You?
Victims of sexual harassment have to process a lot of emotions, and they may sometimes feel like they are helpless and all alone. We understand what you are going through because we have helped hundreds of other clients through similar difficult situations. Our founding attorney has devoted her entire career to protecting the rights of employees in the workplace, and she is ready to put her experience to work for you.
At Gutierrez Law Firm, you will always get the personalized attention you deserve from our Garden Grove employment lawyers, and you will never be simply handed off to a junior attorney. For over 16 years, we have helped clients protect their rights and get the justice they deserve. Schedule your free consultation today and let us put our experience to work for you.
What Is Considered Sexual Harassment in Garden Grove?
The EEOC has developed a definition of sexual harassment that covers a fairly wide range of potential misconduct. They define sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.” Additionally, offensive remarks about a person’s sex are generally considered harassment, even if the remarks are not sexual in nature.
Some examples of conduct that would likely be considered sexual harassment in California include:
- Unsolicited or unwanted touching
- Displaying sexually explicit images or graphics
- Sending explicit photos, videos, or messages to a coworker
- Promising certain job-related incentives, such as a raise or promotion, in exchange for sexual favors
- Threatening an employee with a demotion if they refuse to perform sexual favors
- Repeatedly asking a coworker on a date even after they have said no
- Discussing details of your own sexual encounters
- Asking probing questions about a coworker’s sexual encounters
- Questioning the sexual orientation of coworkers
This list is not exhaustive, and there could be many other types of behaviors that could qualify as sexual harassment.
What To Do If You Have Experienced Sexual Harassment in Garden Grove
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you should start by following your employer’s internal reporting procedures. In California, employers with 5 or more employees are required to have a sexual harassment policy that includes the procedures for reporting violations. Typically, the report should be made to your supervisor or directly to your Human Resources department.
Additionally, you should collect and retain as much evidence to support your claim as possible. It is understandable that you likely want to immediately delete any obscene messages or photos that you receive. However, you should keep those messages as evidence. You should also make detailed notes about any interactions you have with your harasser.
Finally, talk to an experienced Garden Grove sexual harassment lawyer who can help. In most cases, you have 180 days to file a claim with the EEOC, California Civil Rights Department, or both. You will need a “Right to Sue” letter from one of these organizations before you can file a lawsuit in court. The Garden Grove sexual harassment attorneys from Gutierrez Law Firm can help you through this process and help make sure you have the proper evidence to prove your claim.
Who Is Liable In A Garden Grove Sexual Harassment Case?
There can be multiple responsible parties in sexual harassment cases. The harasser can always be held personally liable for their conduct. If the harasser was a direct supervisor or other leader of the employer, then the employer can also be held responsible. California law makes employers strictly liable for the actions of their supervisors and managers.
However, if the harasser was a coworker, the employer can only be held liable if they knew or should have known about the conduct and did nothing to stop it. In some cases, the harasser might also be subject to criminal charges, depending on the specifics of their conduct.
Damages Available In Garden Grove Sexual Harassment Cases
According to Garden Grove sexual harassment lawyers, victims of sexual harassment are entitled to receive both economic and non-economic damages in sexual harassment claims. Some examples of the economic damages that may be awarded include:
- Lost wages
- Job search expenses
- Difference in pay from the time the sexual harassment occurred until present if a demotion was involved
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
In addition to economic damages, victims are also entitled to non-economic damages. Some common examples of these damages include mental anguish, anxiety, and PTSD after the incident. In some cases, punitive damages may also be proper. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for their behavior and prevent similar conduct in the future.
Contact Our Garden Grove Sexual Harassment Lawyer Now To Learn How We Can Help You
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim. Contact Gutierrez Law Firm today to make sure that you don’t miss the deadline and lose your ability to hold the responsible parties accountable. Call or send our sexual harassment lawyers in Garden Grove a text message at (213) 460-8380 for a free consultation
Remember that you do not have to let inappropriate conduct slide. Laws are in place to protect employees from sexual harassment, and we are ready to help you put together a winning strategy for your claim. Set up a free consultation today so that our Garden Grove sexual harassment lawyers can get to know you and your story and help you get the justice you deserve.