Work with a Top Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Bell CA
Harassment based on gender, ethnicity, national origin, pregnancy status, age, handicap, or religion is illegal in the workplace. Every business in California is expected to take all necessary, urgent action to stop workplace harassment. If you require a hostile work environment attorney in Bell CA, PLBH is prepared to aggressively pursue your claim.
If you have suffered harassment at work and your employer has not taken the appropriate 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 a Hostile Work Environment? A Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Bell CA Explains
Everyone eventually encounters unfriendly coworkers. 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.
Additionally, it must be shown that the behavior was severe or pervasive and unwanted and that the harassment was serious and widespread enough to make the workplace intimidating or hostile.
Not All Unacceptable Behavior Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment
Even if some less than acceptable behaviors, like making crude jokes, may offend some people, they might not be extreme enough to trigger legal sanctions. Your hostile work environment attorney in Bell CA will assess your case to determine if illegal behavior occurred.
It can include physical hostilities such physical intimidation, groping, pushing, striking, and other unpleasant physical contacts. Verbal actions that can be unlawful include making off-color jokes, insulting someone, using slurs against them, or otherwise verbally assaulting someone due to their protected status or characteristic. Visual harassment can occur too, which includes using cartoons, pictures, posters, or drawings to harass someone.
If You Have Suffered as the Victim of Sexual Harassment, a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Bell CA Might Be Able to Help You
Demanding a date from someone repeatedly, asking for sexual favors, and other unwanted sexual actions and behaviors are all examples of sexual harassment. There are two main categories of sexual harassment, one of which is creating a hostile work environment. The other is quid pro quo sexual harassment, which involves an employer asking their employee for sexual favors and giving them employment perks as a result.
First Steps to Take
Before seeking legal action, victims of hostile work environments must first take the necessary steps to stop similar situations in the future. This entails documenting the harassment, complaining in writing to management and/or human resources, and using any internal complaint mechanisms your workplace may have put in place.
Both federal and California law mandate that harassment victims exhaust administrative remedies through either the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and/or the Equal Opportunity Commission before filing a lawsuit.
Keep a written record of everything, including any witnesses to the behavior, and list all the harassing behaviors you can think of. This proof may be necessary to support your claims and secure the benefits, punitive damages, and lost wages to which you may be entitled. There is no reason to wait to contact a hostile work environment attorney in Bell CA. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 now for a free legal consultation.