Get Help from a Top Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Cerritos CA
Harassment based on gender, race, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, religion, etc. is not just bad; it’s also against the law in the workplace. Every business in California is required to take all immediate and reasonable steps to prevent harassment from occurring in the workplace. PLBH is prepared to vigorously pursue your claim if you are in need of a hostile work environment attorney in Cerritos CA.
If you have faced harassment at work and your employer has not taken the proper steps to put a stop to it, call us. Contact us now at (800) 435-7542 to speak to an attorney who can help you maximize your claim.
What is the Legal Definition of a Hostile Work Environment? Let a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Cerritos CA Explain
Virtually everyone will have to cope with a hostile coworker at some point in their lives. But when does hostile behavior at work fall under the legal definition of harassment? It must be established that the behavior was hostile toward a protected class for it to be considered unlawful. Gender, race, national origin, pregnancy, age, handicap, and religion are examples of protected classes.
You must also be able to prove that the behavior was severe and/or pervasive, that it was unwanted, and that it was serious and consistent enough that it made the workplace an intimidating or hostile place.
Is All Unacceptable Workplace Behavior to the Level of a Hostile Work Environment?
Even if some unacceptable acts, such as cracking vulgar jokes, could irritate some individuals, it might not be severe enough to result in legal repercussions. Your hostile work environment attorney in Cerritos CA is the best person to judge the legality of any specific conduct.
That can include physical hostilities such as physical intimidation, groping, pushing, striking, and other unwanted physical interactions. Making offensive jokes, insulting someone, using slurs against them, or verbally abusing someone because of their protected status or attribute are all examples of verbal acts that may be illegal. Visual harassment can occur too, which includes using cartoons, pictures, posters, or drawings to harass someone.
A Sexual Harassment Victim Can Get Help from a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Cerritos CA
Demanding a date from someone repeatedly, asking for sexual favors, and other unwanted sexual actions and behaviors are all examples of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment has two basic categories: creating a hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment, which happens when an employer asks for sexual favors in exchange for employee perks.
Learn the First Steps to Follow After Being the Victim of a Hostile Work Environment
Before you can pursue legal action, there are steps you must take to prevent future cases of a hostile work environment. Start by detailing the harassment and documenting it. Make a complaint to management or human resources. Do so in writing, following any workplace procedures they have in place for doing so.
Before bringing a lawsuit, harassment victims must first pursue administrative remedies through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the Equal Opportunity Commission, according to both federal and California law.
Make a record of everything in writing and list out all the harassing actions you can think of, along with any witnesses to the behavior. This evidence can be essential to ensure that your allegations are credible so you can get the lost wages, benefits, and punitive damages you might be entitled to. We are here to help you – so do not wait another moment to call (800) 435-7542 to learn more about your rights and options during a free case consultation with a hostile work environment attorney in Cerritos CA.