Work with a Top Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Pico Rivera CA
Harassing someone based on their gender, race, national origin, pregnancy status, age, disability, or religion is not just ride – it is against the law in the workplace. Every business in California is required to take all immediate and reasonable steps to prevent harassment from occurring in the workplace. If you require a hostile work environment attorney in Pico Rivera CA, PLBH is prepared to aggressively pursue your claim.
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 Pico Rivera CA Explain
Virtually everyone will have to deal with a hostile coworker at some point in their lives. But when does hostile behavior at work qualify as harassment under the law? 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.
You must also be able to prove 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.
Is All Unacceptable Workplace Behavior to the Level of a Hostile Work Environment?
Even if some unacceptable acts, such as cracking vulgar jokes, could irritate some individuals, it might not be severe enough to result in legal repercussions. Your hostile work environment attorney in Pico Rivera CA is the best person to judge the legality of any specific conduct.
That can include physical hostilities such as physical intimidation, groping, pushing, striking, and other unwanted physical interactions. 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. And visual harassment through the use of cartoons, drawings, photos, and posters.
A Sexual Harassment Victim Can Get Help from a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in Pico Rivera CA
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 basic types of sexual harassment, one of which is making a hostile work environment. The other is quid pro quo sexual harassment, in which an employer asks an employee for sexual favors in exchange for benefits.
First Steps to Take
Victims of a hostile work environment must first take appropriate action to prevent future incidents before pursuing legal action. This entails documenting the harassment, complaining in writing to management and/or human resources, and using any internal complaint mechanisms your workplace may have put in place.
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.
Make a record of everything in writing and list out all the harassing actions you can think of, along with any witnesses to the behavior. 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 Pico Rivera CA about your rights and legal options during a free case consultation.