San Ramon Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Experienced Employment Lawyers serving San Ramon, Danville, and Dublin Employees Who Suffer from Sexual Harassment

California labor laws give San Ramon employees the right to a safe work environment free from sexual harassment. However, that does not stop harassment from taking place. While speaking up about workplace sexual harassment is rarely easy, holding employers accountable for the misconduct is possible.

At Erlich Law Firm, our San Ramon sexual harassment lawyers represent workers in sexual harassment cases. With more than 20 years of experience, we know how to protect the rights of employees and ensure they recover the compensation they deserve.

How Does Sexual Harassment Occur at Work?

Workplace sexual harassment cases may involve quid-pro-quo harassment or a hostile work environment. Both forms of harassment are unlawful under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Harassment can harm an employee’s career and mental and emotional well-being.

• Quid-pro-quo harassment: An extreme form of harassment in which a worker is pressured into sexual favors or an unwanted romantic relationship in return for employment opportunities. The harasser is typically someone in a position of power, such as a supervisor or manager.

The person may threaten to fire the employee or ruin their reputation if they refuse to comply. Regardless of whether the threat is explicit or implied, you should not tolerate such behavior in the workplace.

• Hostile work environment: This type of harassment can be physical or verbal. It consists of a pattern of inappropriate sexual behavior or repeated comments that make the workplace intolerable for the employee and alter employment conditions.

Proving a sexual harassment claim based on a hostile work environment involves showing the court that the unwanted behavior was severe or frequent enough that any reasonable person in the same situation would find the workplace abusive.

Behaviors potentially resulting in a hostile work environment can sometimes be hard to identify. Around 34 percent of workers do not recognize conduct that leads to a hostile work environment. A knowledgeable San Ramon sexual harassment lawyer can help you determine whether what you are experiencing meets the legal standards for a sexual harassment claim.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Workplace sexual harassment can range from inappropriate comments and lewd jokes to groping and sexual advances. A 2018 survey found that around 77 percent of women said they were subjected to verbal harassment, while 51 percent experienced unwanted touching.

No matter the type of sexual harassment you suffer, you should immediately report it to your employer. Here are some examples of common ways in which sexual harassment may occur on the job in San Ramon workplaces:

• Verbal harassment: Spreading sexual gossip, telling sexual jokes, catcalling, or referring to a coworker using words like “honey” or “babe.”

• Physical contact: Engaging in unwanted touching, using obscene gestures, or displaying pornographic images.

• Online harassment: Using the internet or social media to harass a coworker, such as by sharing obscure photos.

• Sexual advances: Pressuring a colleague into sexual contact, repeatedly asking to go out on a date, or asking excessive and intrusive questions about their personal life.

Filing a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

If you experience sexual harassment while working in San Ramon, you should immediately report it to your employer. Follow your company’s internal procedure for reporting misconduct. If your employer fails to investigate your complaint or end the harassment, contact a San Ramon sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible.

Sometimes the nature of an employment situation makes it difficult for an employee to come forward, such as when an authority figure is responsible for the harassment. In such circumstances, it is best to seek legal advice from an attorney.

California law makes it illegal for an employer to retaliate against a worker who reports sexual harassment. Retaliation can result in wrongful termination, negative performance reviews, or other adverse actions. If you suffer retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment, you may be able to sue your employer to recover additional damages for the resulting losses.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim

San Ramon workers have a three-year time limit for filing a sexual harassment complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The three years start from the date the alleged misconduct last occurred.

Contacting an experienced San Ramon sexual harassment attorney is vital for ensuring you do not miss the deadline for pursuing compensation. The lawyer will file the necessary paperwork and protect your right to take legal action against your employer.

Call for a Free Case Evaluation

At Erlich Law Firm, we recognize that speaking up about workplace harassment can be difficult. Our San Ramon sexual harassment lawyers can answer your questions and explain your legal options. You should not have to tolerate unlawful behavior on the job. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you obtain fair compensation through a sexual harassment claim.