Workplace harassment is a violation of your rights and can lead to emotional distress, career setbacks, and financial instability. Whether it’s persistent discrimination, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, or retaliation, you don’t have to face it alone. Our dedicated workplace harassment attorneys are here to protect your rights, hold the perpetrators accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.
What Is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment refers to unwelcome conduct based on an individual’s race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. Harassment becomes unlawful when it creates a hostile work environment or when enduring such behavior becomes a condition of continued employment.
The Legal Definition of Harassment
Under California law, harassment is defined as any behavior that interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. This conduct can be perpetrated by supervisors, coworkers, or even third parties like clients or vendors.
Common Types of Workplace Harassment
- Sexual Harassment: Includes unwanted advances, inappropriate touching, sexually explicit comments, and quid pro quo harassment (e.g., demanding sexual favors for promotions or continued employment).
- Verbal Harassment: Insults, slurs, or derogatory remarks based on an individual’s protected characteristics.
- Physical Harassment: Physical intimidation, shoving, or unwelcome physical contact.
- Discrimination-Based Harassment: Targeting individuals due to race, religion, gender identity, age, or disability.
- Retaliation Harassment: Adverse actions such as demotion, firing, or verbal abuse in response to reporting harassment.
- Microaggressions: Subtle but pervasive forms of discrimination or bias that undermine an employee’s dignity and confidence.
For insights into identifying and addressing harassment, read our blog on workplace rights.
What Are Your Rights as an Employee?
California has robust laws that protect employees from workplace harassment. Both state and federal regulations ensure that employees can work in a safe and harassment-free environment.
Key Legal Protections Include:
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Mandates that employers provide harassment-free workplaces and prohibits retaliation against employees who report harassment.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Protects employees from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- Whistleblower Protections: Shield employees from retaliation after reporting illegal workplace activities or unsafe conditions.
Employers are legally required to investigate harassment claims promptly and take appropriate action. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable. Learn more about your legal protections in our guide to filing workplace claims.
How Workplace Harassment Impacts Employees
Workplace harassment isn’t just an inconvenience; it has real and lasting consequences. Victims often experience:
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from ongoing harassment.
- Career Setbacks: Missed promotions, unfair performance reviews, or being forced to leave a job.
- Financial Losses: Lost wages and benefits due to wrongful termination or being unable to continue working in a hostile environment.
- Health Issues: Physical and mental health problems stemming from the stress of harassment.
Steps to Take If You’re Experiencing Harassment
If you’re experiencing workplace harassment, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Document Every Incident: Record the dates, times, locations, and details of the harassment. Keep copies of emails, text messages, or other evidence.
- Report the Harassment: Notify your HR department, supervisor, or employer. Many companies have specific policies for handling complaints.
- Follow Up in Writing: Send a formal complaint via email or certified mail to ensure there is a documented trail of your report.
- File a Claim with DFEH or EEOC: If the harassment isn’t addressed, file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- Consult a Workplace Harassment Attorney: An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect you from retaliation, and help you secure compensation.
For more on navigating workplace disputes, see our post on handling employment law claims.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Workplace Harassment Claim?
Victims of workplace harassment may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Economic Damages:
- Lost wages from demotions, missed promotions, or wrongful termination.
- Future income losses if harassment impacts your ability to work.
- Out-of-pocket expenses for therapy, medical treatment, or job search costs.
- Non-Economic Damages:
- Emotional distress caused by harassment.
- Pain and suffering due to a hostile work environment.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages:
- In cases of egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the employer and deter future harassment.
- Equitable Relief:
- Reinstatement to your position or promotion.
- Changes to workplace policies to prevent future harassment.
For more about calculating damages, check out our blog on recovering compensation.
Why You Need a Workplace Harassment Attorney
Workplace harassment cases are legally complex, emotionally challenging, and often intimidating for employees who fear retaliation. Our attorneys specialize in helping victims of harassment navigate the legal system and secure justice.
How We Help:
- Case Evaluation: We assess the details of your situation to determine the strength of your claim.
- Evidence Gathering: Our team compiles records, witness statements, and communications to build a compelling case.
- Filing Complaints: We guide you through filing with the DFEH, EEOC, or other agencies within required deadlines.
- Negotiating Settlements: We advocate for fair compensation during settlement discussions with employers or their attorneys.
- Court Representation: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court and provide aggressive legal representation to fight for your rights.
To learn more about the legal process, explore our post on preparing for litigation.
Statute of Limitations for Workplace Harassment Claims
In California, employees must file a claim with the DFEH or EEOC within three years of the harassment. After receiving a “right-to-sue” notice, you have an additional year to file a lawsuit. These deadlines are strict, so it’s essential to act quickly to protect your legal rights.
Contact Our Workplace Harassment Attorneys Today
If you’re experiencing workplace harassment, don’t wait to seek help. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting employees’ rights and holding employers accountable. We’ll work tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
Call us today at (877) 659-9223 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on moving forward.
