Get Help from a Top Hostile Work Environment Attorney in San Clemente CA
Harassment based on gender, ethnicity, national origin, pregnancy status, age, handicap, or religion is illegal in the workplace. All California businesses are required by law to take steps to both prevent harassment from occurring and to put an end to it when it occurs. PLBH is prepared to vigorously pursue your claim if you are in need of a hostile work environment attorney in San Clemente CA.
If you’ve encountered harassment at work and your employer hasn’t taken action to stop it., call us now. To maximize the value of your claim and begin your recovery process, call (800) 435-7542 to speak with one of our recognized lawyers for workplace harassment.
What is a Hostile Work Environment? A Hostile Work Environment Attorney in San Clemente CA Explains
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? The following proof must be shown in court to prove that the harassment was motivated by a protected characteristic, such as gender, race, national origin, age, pregnancy, handicap, religion, etc.
You must also be able to show 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.
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 San Clemente CA will assess your case to determine if illegal behavior occurred.
Physically intimidating someone, grabbing them, pushing them, striking them, or otherwise physically touching them are all examples of illegal action. 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.
A Sexual Harassment Victim Can Get Help from a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in San Clemente CA
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
There are things you must take to stop hostile work environments in the future before you may file a lawsuit. Start by describing and documenting the harassment. Inform management or human resources of your grievance. Do so in writing and in accordance with any applicable workplace policies.
Victims are required by both federal and California state laws to first exhaust all administrative remedies through the Department of Fair Employment and/or the Equal Opportunity Commission before they can file a lawsuit.
Document everything in writing and make a list of the harassing actions, and all witnesses. This direct evidence and details will give credibility to the allegations and may be crucial in helping you recover lost wages, lost benefits, punitive damages, and other compensatory damages. We are here to assist you, so call (800) 435-7542 right away to speak with a hostile work environment attorney in San Clemente CA about your rights and legal options during a free case consultation.