Beverly Hills Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Beverly Hills Sexual Harassment Attorney

One of the most heinous and humiliating forms of discrimination is workplace sexual harassment. It can include an unwelcome sexual advance, a request for a sexual favor, and any other forms of harassment that are sexual in nature. These are some of the most inappropriate actions in the workplace and can have a lasting effect on the victim. No one in the workplace deserves to be a victim of sexual harassment, and if you have been, it is vital to seek legal help from a Beverly Hills sexual harassment lawyer right away.

At the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez, we have represented many victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. We understand the difficulty of coming forward and speaking out against your harasser. That is why we will be by your side every step, fighting for justice under the law and the compensation you deserve. We are driven to help you see that justice is served so that you can move on with your life and career.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a type of discrimination prohibited by federal and state law. It can occur in the workplace, educational institutions, or other settings. Sexual harassment can be directed at anyone, regardless of gender or sex.

There are two types of sexual harassment — quid pro quo and hostile work environment:

• Quid pro quo sexual harassment is when an individual in a position of power, such as a supervisor or manager, conditions a job benefit on receiving sexual favors. For example, if your direct manager tells you that you will only receive a raise if you provide sexual favors, this is quid pro quo sexual harassment.
• Hostile work environment sexual harassment is when the workplace is made so unbearable by the conduct of the harasser that it interferes with the victim’s ability to do their job. The harassment does not need to be directed at the victim — it can be directed at anyone. For example, if your coworker is constantly making lewd and sexual comments to the entire team during meetings, this can create a hostile work environment that is sexual in nature.

What Forms Does Sexual Harassment Take?

Sexual harassment can take many different forms. It can be physical, verbal, or visual. Some examples of sexual harassment include:

• Unwanted touching or groping
• Sexual comments or innuendos
• Sexually explicit jokes
• Displaying pornography
• Making sexual propositions
• Threatening retribution if sexual favors are not granted

These touch on some of the most gruesome forms of sexual harassment in the workplace, but any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature can be classified as sexual harassment. If anything strikes you as feeling wrong or making you uncomfortable, it is important to speak to Beverly Hills sexual harassment lawyers right away.

What Are the Consequences of Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment can have a devastating and long-term effect on the victim. It can cause physical and emotional distress, and it can interfere with the victim’s ability to do their job. The victim may feel scared, humiliated, and degraded by the experience. In some cases, the victim may even choose to walk away from their job rather than advancing a legal claim and dealing with the harasser.

However, if you do choose to take legal action, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. This can include back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages. The court may also order the harasser to pay your attorney’s fees.

The consequences for the employer can include:

• Fines and penalties. At a minimum, depending on the severity of the harassment, the employer will be required to pay a fine. This is to punish the employer and discourage future instances of harassment.
• Compensation to the victim. In some cases, the employer may be required to pay the victim compensation for suffered damages. This can include back pay, front pay, and emotional distress damages that the victim has incurred.
• Suspension or termination of the harasser. In severe cases, the harasser may be suspended or even terminated from their position. This is to protect the victim and to send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the workplace.
• Jail time. In the most severe cases, the harasser may be sent to jail. This is typically reserved for cases where the harassment was particularly severe or where the harasser has a history of such behavior. For example, if the harasser has been given a lesser sentence in the past but continues to engage in this behavior, they can be sentenced to an even lengthier jail sentence. The previous punishment was not long enough to deter them from repeating their actions in society.
• Charged with a crime. If the behavior rises to the level of a crime, such as rape or assault, then the harasser can be charged with a criminal offense. This is in addition to any civil penalties that they may be facing. Having a felony on your record can prevent the individual from ever working in certain professions and can limit their employment options going forward. This helps protect future victims from being harmed by this individual.

What Should You Do If You Are Being Sexually Harassed at Work?

If you are sexually harassed at work, it is important to take action right away. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to prove your case. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Keep a record of the behavior. Write down or keep emails or text messages detailing the behavior. Sometimes a case is only able to be proven if there is a paper trail detailing the behavior. Take a look at every interaction you have had with the harasser and document what happened.
2. Talk to someone about what is happening. It can be helpful to talk to someone else about what is happening. This can help you to process the experience and to get some emotional support. It can also be helpful to have someone else who can corroborate your story.
3. File a complaint with HR. If your company has an HR department, you should file a complaint with them. This will put the company on notice that there is a problem, and they will be required to take action to investigate the matter.
4. Consider filing a police report. If the behavior is criminal, you should consider filing a police report. This ensures the behavior is documented and that the harasser is held accountable for their actions.
5. Speak to a Beverly Hills employment lawyer. You should also speak to Beverly Hills harassment attorneys and discuss your legal options. They can help you determine whether you have a case and how to proceed.

FAQs About Beverly Hills, CA Sexual Harassment Law

How Do I Sue Someone for Harassment in California?

You will need to consult with a Beverly Hills sexual harassment lawyer to discuss the facts of your case and whether you have a claim. There are many different types of sexual harassment, and the law treats each type differently. Generally speaking, you will need to show that the harassment was unwelcome, it breaks employment and legal laws, and it created a hostile or offensive work environment.

How Long Do You Have to Report Harassment in California?

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) requires victims of sexual harassment to file a complaint within one year of the date of the last harassing incident. However, if the harassment is ongoing, the date at which you can file a complaint is marked based on the last unwanted sexual interaction.

What Is Considered Harassment Under California Law?

Sexual harassment can take many different forms, but it is generally any unwelcome sexual advance or conduct in the workplace. This can include unwanted touching, sexual comments or jokes, leering, propositions for sex, and more. These types of behavior are only considered harassment if they are unwelcome and create a hostile or offensive working environment.

What Are the Consequences of Sexual Harassment in California?

The consequences of sexual harassment depend on the severity of the behavior and can range from a warning from your employer to termination of employment. In some cases, the victim of sexual harassment may also be able to file a civil lawsuit against the harasser. Previous offenders will experience harsher penalties. The best way to ensure the harasser is held accountable is to report the issue immediately and connect with experienced sexual harassment attorneys.

Contact the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez in Beverly Hills, California Today

If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, it is important to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The best way to do this is by consulting with an experienced Beverly Hills sexual harassment lawyer who can help you advance a sexual harassment claim. At the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez, we have successfully represented many victims of sexual harassment in the workplace and are here to help you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and hold your harasser accountable.