Learn How a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in San Pedro 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 expected to take all necessary, urgent action to stop workplace harassment. PLBH is prepared to vigorously pursue your claim if you are in need of a hostile work environment attorney in San Pedro CA.
If you have suffered harassment at work and your employer has not taken the appropriate steps to put a stop to it, call us. To speak with a lawyer who can help you maximize your claim, call us right now at (800) 435-7542.
Get an Understanding of a Hostile Work Environment from a Hostile Work Environment Attorney in San Pedro CA
Virtually everyone will have to deal with a hostile coworker at some point in their lives. But when does hostile behavior at work fall under the legal definition of harassment? 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.
Some Inappropriate Behavior is Not Unlawful
There are many forms of inappropriate workplace behavior that are not severe enough to result in legal action, such as offensive, crude jokes. The best person to determine the legality of any particular action is your hostile work environment attorney in San Pedro CA.
Illegal activity includes physical activity such as physically intimidating a person, groping them, pushing them, striking them, or otherwise physically touching them. Making offensive jokes, insulting someone, using slurs against them, or verbally abusing someone because of their protected status or attribute are all examples of verbal acts that may be illegal. And visual harassment through the use of cartoons, drawings, photos, and posters.
A Hostile Work Environment Attorney in San Pedro CA Could Help You if You’ve Been the Victim of Sexual Harassment
Constant requests for dates, sexual favors, and other unwanted sexual behavior are all examples of sexual harassment in the workplace. 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.
First Steps to Take
There are things you must take to stop hostile work environments in the future before you may file a lawsuit. 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.
Both federal and California law mandate that harassment victims exhaust administrative remedies through either the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and/or the Equal Opportunity Commission before filing 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 evidence can be essential to ensure that your allegations are credible so you can get the lost wages, benefits, and punitive damages you might be entitled to. We are here to help you – so do not wait another moment to call (800) 435-7542 to learn more about your rights and options during a free case consultation with a hostile work environment attorney in San Pedro CA.