As an employee in the State of California, you are protected from sexual harassment by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which makes it against the law to discriminate against employees on the basis of their sex. Sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination, which can lead to emotional scars as well as to lost earnings and is an important legal matter that should not be ignored or overlooked. If you are the victim of sexual harassment on the job, turn to an experienced California sexual harassment attorney for the help you need.
Secure Legal Counsel
The most important first step you can take if you are being sexually harassed on the job is to consult with a dedicated sexual harassment attorney. Your attorney will skillfully focus on all the following:
- Helping you to better understand the strengths and challenges of your claim
- Helping you to assess the evidence you already have and helping you explore your options in relation to gathering further evidence
- Helping you to understand the legal process and to make the best decisions for you along the way
- Building your strongest claim in defense of your rights and in pursuit of your rightful compensation
Let Your Employer Know What’s Going On
From here, you’ll need to let your employer know that you’re being harassed at work. This provides them with an opportunity to make things right, and if they fail to do so, it will only strengthen your case moving forward. California employers are required to have anti-harassment policies in place, which should guide whom you report to on the matter.
File Your Complaint
If the harassment is ongoing, you’ll need to file your harassment complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). In your complaint, you will spell out the sexual harassment you’re experiencing. While this step is required, you can request a right-to-sue notice that will allow you to bypass the CRD’s investigation – proceeding with legal counsel, however, is advised.
One Year to File a Lawsuit
Once you have your right to sue notice, you have one year to file a lawsuit against your employer. After filing a lawsuit, settlement negotiations are likely to ensue. Most sexual harassment cases are settled out of court, but if your employer’s insurance carrier is not interested in engaging in good-faith negotiations, your practiced sexual harassment attorney will not hesitate to take your case to trial.
Seek the Legal Guidance of an Experienced California Sexual Harassment Attorney Today
Sexual harassment at work is a serious matter that causes more damage than many people realize. If you are the victim of sexual harassment on the job, the formidable sexual harassment attorneys at Bamieh& De Smeth – in both Ventura and Santa Barbara – have an impressive track record of fiercely advocating for the favorable outcomes of claims like yours. Your claim is too important to leave to chance, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 805-643-5555 for more information today.
