Experiencing sexual harassment while at work can put employees under tremendous stress. Some victims may be afraid to come forward, and the choice to take action against a harasser can often be the most difficult step. No one should be made to feel unsafe in his or her work environment, and it is essential that employees know their rights.
Although you may feel intimidated or powerless in this type of situation, employees have legal protections against sexual harassment and employer retaliation. A sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles can help to make sure that these protections are not violated. Below, my blog discusses what to do in the event that you experience workplace sexual harassment.
What to Do If You Have Experienced Sexual Harassment:
Gather evidence: Document the inappropriate conduct. Be sure to note the date that an incident occurs as well as what happened. Also, be sure to take note of anyone who may have been present when the workplace harassment occurred.
Documentation is important to substantiate your claim with the harasser’s supervisor or your company’s human resource department. Indeed, once you report the sexual harassment, your employer may ask for details, including the dates that the conduct occurred, what conduct the harasser engaged in, and whether there were any witnesses.
Also, be sure to keep your harassment notes in a secure place. Avoid storing them on the computer you use at work or in a drawer where your supervisor may find and take them, for example. Instead, keep the notes on your personal computer or in your briefcase or purse. If you end up being terminated, you probably won’t be allowed to take any work computer notes with you.
File a complaint with your company: Some companies take claims of sexual harassment very seriously and have detailed steps on how to report an incident. Although typically handled by Human Resources, in cases where companies do not have formal procedures, speak to a supervisor or manager who is not involved in the workplace harassment you are experiencing.
If the harasser is not your supervisor, the company will not be liable for his or her harassment unless you notify your employer of the inappropriate conduct and it thereafter fails to take appropriate actions.
Speak to a sexual harassment attorney in California: If complaining about the harassment does not solve the problem, it may be time to involve a sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles. A lawyer who is familiar with sexual harassment and employment law can help you take the appropriate legal action. If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, your employer may be responsible for the harm it caused.
Employees have rights under federal and state law, which protect them from sexual harassment as well as retaliation. It is against the law for employers to punish employees for opposing or reporting sexual harassment. If you believe that you are being subjected to retaliation, a sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles can hold your employer responsible for its actions.
For instance, your sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles may help you pursue lost wages as a result of being terminated for reporting sexual harassment. In addition, an attorney can assist you in pursuing damages such as pain and suffering to address the emotional caused by the harassment.
You could even receive punitive damages if your employer acted with malice or oppression in failing to stop the harassment you endured, such as turning a blind eye to the harassment even after becoming fully aware of it.
STOP WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT:
Call a Sexual Harassment Attorney in Los Angles Today
At Pimentel Law, we know that you may be fearful confronting your harasser or of retaliation. However, understand that employees like yourself are protected under federal and state law and your employer is prohibited from taking any adverse employment action against you for reporting sexual harassment.
Pimentel Law knows your rights and can help you put a stop to sexual harassment and/or retaliation. With the help of a sexual harassment attorney in California, you can stand up for your right to have a sexual harassment–free workplace.
Schedule a confidential consultation and talk to a sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles about your situation.