Victims of sexual harassment may feel conflicting emotions. On the one hand, they may feel anger, disgust and a loss of self-esteem. On the other hand, they may feel afraid and anxious about the possibility of losing their jobs; especially if the CEO, or the owner or manager of the company where they work is the person harassing them.
Sexual Harassment Lawyers in San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose
Many victims of sexual harassment in the workplace fear that reporting the matter will result in retaliation. Perhaps their boss will demote them, give them a poor work performance evaluation, or simply fire them. Worse, victims may fear that no one will believe them.
If you've been sexually harassed in the workplace, the attorneys at the Armstrong Law Firm want you to know that you do have rights. There is legal recourse. You have a right to be made whole again.
Both federal law and the California Fair Employment in Housing Act prohibit sexual harassment. In California if a manager engages in sex harassment against an employee under their direct supervision, the company may be held strictly liable. Furthermore, employers cannot retaliate against you because you complain about sexual harassment.
For a consultation with an employment lawyer at the Armstrong Law Firm, call 866-590-6082, or contact us online. We work hard to protect the civil rights of employees throughout the Bay Area, and will fight to secure fair compensation for any illegal employment practices.
Representing Victims That Have Been Sexually Harassed
Once you are represented by counsel, your employer may be less likely to take adverse actions against you, including demotion, termination, changing the conditions of your employment or other retaliatory treatment. In fact, if your employer treats you unfairly because you complained about or filed a claim for sexual harassment, they risk liability for additional damages under state and federal law.
As soon as you hire us to represent you, we will write a letter informing your employer of your rights and their obligations.
What is Sexual Harassment and What Can I Do About It?
Almost all cases of sexual harassment involve a person who simply can't control his or her sexual impulses. Many harassers are in positions of power and have no fear of being punished. They often intimidate and bully their employees, making them afraid to report their illegal and offensive behavior.
Sexual harassment often occurs after a manager, business owner or customer has consumed alcohol. Typically, employees have to put up with this unacceptable behavior during conventions, work-related functions or business travel.
If you've been sexually harassed in the recent past or are currently being harassed, you can either continue to take it or you can stand up for your rights. We will explain your rights and possible courses of action. We are experienced in negotiating favorable severance packages so that you can close the door and put this negative experience behind you.
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment Claims
The law recognizes two kinds of sexual harassment. If continued employment, a promotion or fair treatment on the job depends on a sexual or personal relationship with a manager or person in a position of power, that demand clearly represents quid pro quo sexual harassment.
The types of activity that constitute quid pro quo sexual harassment range from sexual assault and battery to more subtle forms of conduct, such as requesting dates in exchange for a pay raise or inappropriate touching.
Another type of sexual harassment is a hostile work environment. This harassment usually involves being forced to work in the presence of sexually explicit e-mails, pictures, pornography, lewd jokes and other sexually offensive behavior.
Related Content:
