Dublin Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Sexual Harassment Attorneys Representing Dublin and East Bay Employees For Over 25 Years

All workers have the right to a workplace that is safe and free from sexual harassment. Unfortunately, sexual harassment often goes unreported because of fear of retaliation or concerns that the complaint will not be taken seriously. Sometimes employees believe that speaking up will only make the situation worse.

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and federal labor laws protect workers from workplace harassment. The experienced Dublin sexual harassment lawyers at Erlich Law Firm approach such cases with sensitivity, listening to employees’ concerns. If you were harassed on the job, we are here to help you pursue compensation.

How Does Workplace Sexual Harassment Occur?

Sexual harassment is a broad term for unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature. A 2018 survey found that 38 percent of women experienced sexual harassment at work.

Sexual harassment can take many forms and is not limited to the office environment. Employees may also be harassed in settings outside the workplace, such as an offsite company event or a work meeting at a restaurant.

Here are some examples of how sexual harassment can occur in Dublin workplaces:

• Touching an employee inappropriately
• Pressuring a coworker for sex
• Asking an employee inappropriate personal questions
• Making lewd jokes or offensive comments of a sexual nature
• Linking a promotion or raise to a worker’s participation in sexual activity
• Firing an employee for reporting sexual harassment

Sexual harassment can negatively impact a person’s career and harm their well-being. If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer. Taking legal action allows you to recover lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and other compensation for the misconduct you suffered.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Workplace sexual harassment cases fall into two general categories:

• Quid-pro-quo harassment: A severe form of sexual harassment in which a worker is pressured into an unwanted relationship or sexual activity in exchange for employment benefits such as a promotion.

• Hostile work environment: Unwelcome sexual conduct that is severe and pervasive enough to create an abusive, intolerable environment for a worker.

Do I Have a Sexual Harassment Claim?

Many factors come into play when determining whether an employee has a valid sexual harassment claim. Courts will consider the severity of the harassment, how frequently it occurred, and whether the worker asked the harasser to stop, among other details. Did the employer know or should have known about the sexual harassment and failed to prevent the misconduct from happening again?

Sometimes a single instance of egregious behavior may form the basis of a sexual harassment claim, such as quid-pro-quo harassment. In other cases, the misconduct may not necessarily meet the legal standard of a hostile work environment. Because there are no specifications on how severe or frequent sexual harassment must be to be considered unlawful, it can be challenging to determine whether you have a valid claim.

Our Dublin sexual harassment lawyers at Erlich Law Firm can help you determine whether you have grounds for a sexual harassment lawsuit. We will investigate what happened and gather evidence to build a strong case against your employer. When you hire our law firm, you can rest assured that we will always act in your best interests.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

Dublin workers have the right to report sexual harassment to their supervisor or human resources department. The employer then must investigate the harassment and take steps to stop the unwanted behavior. For example, the employer can ask the harasser to undergo sexual harassment training or discipline the employee.

Many workers fear retaliation for speaking up about sexual harassment. Around 58 percent of women employees do not file complaints after getting harassed at work.

However, California law considers reporting harassment a protected act. Your employer cannot retaliate against you for complaining about sexual harassment.

Retaliation can take many forms, such as a demotion, pay cut, reduced work hours, and even termination. If your employer fails to stop the harassment or fires you in retaliation for reporting it, you may be able to file a lawsuit for sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim

Dublin employees have three years from the date of the sexual harassment incident in which to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Speaking to an experienced Dublin sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible is vital because of the strict deadlines involved. The attorney can handle the legal process on your behalf, so you do not have to worry about losing your right to recover compensation.

Call for a Free Case Evaluation

If you have experienced sexual harassment, reach out to a skilled Dublin sexual harassment lawyer. Erlich Law Firm handles all sexual harassment claims, including quid-pro-quo and hostile work environment cases. We believe in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring employers fulfill their duty to maintain a safe, harassment-free workplace. Contact us today to discuss your case.