El Dorado Hills Sexual Harassment Lawyer

El Dorado Hills Sexual Harassment Attorney

Instances of sexual harassment in the workplace are very serious issues. Being a victim of this misconduct can make it difficult to do your job and perform at a high level. Anyone found guilty of this type of harassment at work may face many consequences. They could lose their job or be forced to compensate the individuals they harmed. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, an El Dorado Hills sexual harassment lawyer can help.

At Fulton Law Corporation, we are proud to help victims hold sexual harassers accountable for the mistakes they have made in El Dorado Hills, California. We know what areas to investigate and can help collect compelling evidence that brings to light exactly what happened at work. While the prospect of holding a sexual abuser accountable can be intimidating, we are here to help ease the legal burden and help you recover from the damages you suffered.

Common Examples of Sexual Harassment at Work in California

Sexual harassment at work can take many different forms. Sometimes, there are blatant instances where the abuse is clear and other times; the behavior can be subtle or more difficult to recognize. It’s important to understand how to identify when harassment happens in order to protect yourself and your colleagues at work. Some of the most common examples include:

Unwanted Physical Contact and Sexual Assault

Forms of unwanted physical conduct may be considered sexual harassment. Some of the most common forms of this include touching in inappropriate locations, offering hugs and kisses that were not asked for, or brushing up against someone’s body in passing. Even the most seemingly minor gestures, like placing a hand on someone’s shoulder, can be investigated in a sexual harassment claim if the behavior is repeated and always unwelcome.

Inappropriate Comments or Jokes

Sexual harassment is not always physical. It could also be verbal communication. This includes making unsavory jokes for the workplace, comments about someone’s appearance, or even unwarranted remarks about someone’s gender. All of these examples can create a toxic work environment, making people feel unsafe, unable to focus, and unable to complete their job duties.

Sexual Advances or Propositions

Any sexual advances at work may be considered inappropriate. This behavior is never allowed, even for married couples that work together. These advances are especially heinous when someone in a position of power uses it as leverage to make a move on a subordinate. This could include repeatedly asking someone to go on a date after being refused multiple times or making suggestive comments about sex.

Displaying Inappropriate Material

Any display of sexually explicit images or videos at work can be sexual harassment. This can include explicit photos or posters hung up in someone’s office, a calendar on their desk with suggestive images, or even sharing a photo through email or instant messaging. Any of these instances can create an uncomfortable experience for those on the receiving end. It can also contribute to an intimidating atmosphere for everyone involved.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo harassment is when someone in a position of authority offers a job-related benefit in exchange for sexual activity. For example, they could promise an immediate raise or promotion in the future if they engage in this behavior. It could also involve a boss threatening one of their employees to have sex with them or risk being demoted or fired. This behavior is illegal and should lead to a sexual harassment claim.

FAQs

Q: Are Sexual Harassment Cases Hard to Prove?

A: The difficulty in proving sexual harassment at work will vary depending on the case. Some might seem more challenging than others, but they are not impossible. In fact, it is the fear of a case being impossible to prove that keeps many victims quiet about their abuse. To assist in the process, keep detailed records about all of the inappropriate behavior or sexual advances you were subjected to. This can help an attorney prove what happened in their investigation.

Q: Can a Manager Be Held Personally Liable for Harassment in California?

A: Yes, California law permits managers to be held personally liable for any sexual harassment they engage in at work. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) offers this protection, allowing employees to hold their alleged abusers accountable by proving the abuse in court and having them face legal consequences. An employer can also be held liable if they did not take any action to prevent the harassment from happening or if they ignored the complaints.

Q: How Can I Prove Psychological Harassment?

A: To prove that psychological harassment happened at work, you need to demonstrate how you experienced sustained mental or emotional distress. This experience must be directly tied to the harasser’s behavior. For example, it can help if you have emails or text messages that explicitly state the harasser’s intentions. If you had to attend therapy because of the emotional impact the abuse caused, that can also help. Your therapist can attest to your psychological damage.

Q: What Should I Do If I Experience Harassment at Work but I Don’t Have Any Evidence?

A: If you are experiencing harassment at work but lack evidence, you should not refrain from trying to hold your abuser accountable. Start documenting instances as soon as you can. This can be as simple as a written record of each time it happens. You should also note who else at work has observed this behavior and could serve as a witness for you. Connect with an attorney immediately for their assistance in proving the abuse as well.

Contact Fulton Law Corporation Today

Any worker who believes they are being sexually harassed or is facing discrimination at work has a right to pursue legal action. Employees should not have to feel uncomfortable at work, and they should trust that their abusers will face legal consequences if they come forward.

If you are in a situation like this, contact the attorneys of Fulton Law Corporation today. We can learn more about your case and see how we can help stop the abuse and prevent it from happening again.