Workplace harassment, especially of a sexual nature, can be utterly devastating to the mental health, careers, and lives of victims. Although the law is in place to protect employees, many suffer in silence because they don’t know how to handle the legalities of seeking justice. A San Diego sexual harassment attorney becomes very instrumental in leading the victim through this process and ensuring that their rights are protected to seek justice that is due to them. This article addresses the important manners in which an experienced lawyer can assist individuals who have been sexually harassed in the workplace.
Table of Contents
Knowing Your Rights as an Employee
One of the first things a San Diego sexual harassment lawyer does is explain to clients their rights under California law. Sexual harassment at work is illegal under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and also under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Your attorney will discuss what sexual harassment encompasses, including:
- Quid pro quo harassment, whereby job benefits depend on the employee’s acceptance of unwelcome advances.
- Hostile work environments that are caused by pervasive harassment.
Knowing your rights is important in developing a strong case and seeking appropriate compensation.
Gathering Evidence and Building Your Case
Sexual harassment is difficult to prove because the acts are always very subtle and mostly happen in a private environment. A well-informed San Diego sexual harassment attorney knows how to compile evidence for effective presentation, which may include emails, text messages, statements from witnesses, and documentation of incidents. They help you organize the case in such a way that you may identify important details, timelines, and patterns of behavior demonstrating harassment. On the foundations of their expertise, your case will be built strongly to increase the chances of a positive outcome.
Filing Complaints and Meeting Deadlines
Sexual harassment cases have specific time limits and protocols that must be followed in order for your case to be considered. Your attorney assists in submitting complaints to either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or California’s Civil Rights Department. A San Diego sexual harassment attorney makes sure that all the paperwork is filled out correctly and on time so your case isn’t thrown out due to technical errors. They will also stand with you in hearings, mediations, and negotiations.
Seeking Damages
Sexual harassment victims are often subjected to emotional trauma, lost wages, career stagnation, and sometimes physical pain. A San Diego sexual harassment attorney pushes for the seeking of appropriate damages.
Damages may include:
- Emotional distress and mental health treatment costs.
- Lost wages or benefits due to retaliation or quitting your job.
- Punitive damages to hold employers accountable.
Your lawyer aggressively negotiates with opposing parties to secure the compensation you’re entitled to.
Advocating for Workplace Change
A San Diego sexual harassment lawyer helps effect systemic changes within organizations that go beyond holding employers accountable only for the individuals involved. This thus makes employers responsible since they grow companies to improve policies in the workplace, start and support training, and foster a generally respectable culture. Speaking out also helps a victim not only achieve personal justice but also contribute to a more inclusive, safer workplace for all others.
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