Learn How a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Dana Point CA Could Help You
Harassment based on gender, ethnicity, national origin, age, pregnancy, handicap, religion, etc. is not just wrong; it is also illegal in the workplace. Every business in California is required to take all immediate and reasonable steps to prevent harassment from occurring in the workplace. PLBH is prepared to vigorously pursue your claim if you are in need of a hostile work environment attorney in Dana Point CA.
Call us right away if you’ve experienced workplace harassment and your employer hasn’t taken any steps to stop it. Contact us now at (800) 435-7542 to speak to an attorney who can help you maximize your claim.
What is the Legal Definition of a Hostile Work Environment? Let a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Dana Point CA Explain
Everyone eventually encounters unfriendly coworkers. So when does hostile work behavior become unlawful? In order for behavior to fall into the unlawful category, it must be proven that the hostility was toward a protected class. Protected classes include gender, race, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, and religion.
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.
Some Inappropriate Behavior is Not Unlawful
Many inappropriate workplace behaviors, such as making obscene or crude jokes, are not serious enough to warrant legal action. The best person to determine the legality of any particular action is your hostile work environment attorney in Dana Point CA.
That can include physical hostilities such as physical intimidation, groping, pushing, striking, and other unwanted physical interactions. Verbal issues such as off-color jokes, insults, slurs, and other remarks that disparage a protected status or characteristic. And visual harassment through the use of cartoons, drawings, photos, and posters.
If You Have Suffered as the Victim of Sexual Harassment, a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Dana Point CA Might Be Able to Help You
Sexual harassment can include things like persistently demanding a date from someone, requesting sexual favors, and many other unwanted sexual actions and behaviors. 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.
The First Steps to Take if You Have Been the Victim of a Hostile Work Environment
Before seeking legal action, victims of hostile work environments must first take the necessary steps to stop similar situations in the future. Start by detailing the harassment and documenting it. Make a complaint to management or human resources. Do so in writing, following any workplace procedures they have in place for doing so.
Before bringing a lawsuit, harassment victims must first pursue administrative remedies through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the Equal Opportunity Commission, according to both federal and California law.
Document everything in writing and make a list of the harassing actions, and all witnesses. This proof may be necessary to support your claims and secure the benefits, punitive damages, and lost wages to which you may be entitled. We are here to assist you, so call (800) 435-7542 right away to speak with a hostile work environment attorney in Dana Point CA about your rights and legal options during a free case consultation.