What is A Hostile Work Environment in California?

Every American has certain rights in the workplace at both the federal and state levels. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) of the United States is the federal agency responsible for enforcing workplace harassment and discrimination laws in the country. Employers may not discriminate against employees on the basis of their protected personal qualities, such as age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or medical status. Additionally, employers are legally required to address any such issues that arise in their workplaces.

Unfortunately, many people in California experience various forms of mistreatment at work, sometimes without realizing they can take legal action in response to these experiences. The term “hostile work environment” is commonly misunderstood, and all California workers should understand what this term means and what they can do when they experience a hostile work environment.

Defining a Hostile Work Environment

Some jobs are inherently stressful, and everyone faces unique challenges every day at work. While some job duties are more intense than others, it’s possible for anyone to experience a hostile work environment when illegal mistreatment from others interferes with their ability to work and complete their job duties.

While jokes, teasing, and banter are common in many workplaces, interpersonal relationships between coworkers and supervisors in any workplace need to function on mutual respect. Unfortunately, many people experience all levels of mistreatment at work because of their protected personal qualities. They may be teased for their appearance or beliefs, or they could be subjected to specifically targeted jokes. Some are bullied into quitting their jobs, or they are wrongfully terminated on a discriminatory basis. Others experience more extreme mistreatment in the form of threats, physical assault, and sexual battery.

Filing an EEOC Claim

Hostile work environments manifest from illegal workplace harassment and discrimination. Some people experience these behaviors from their coworkers while others are mistreated by their supervisors. The first step in resolving any hostile work environment claim is for the plaintiff to file a complaint with the EEOC. The EEOC will assign a case investigator to the claim to determine whether the claimant has grounds for legal action.

If the EEOC approves a claim, the agency issues the claimant the appropriate forms that allow them to proceed with a civil action against the defendant named in the claim. In some cases, the EEOC takes direct legal action against a defendant in violation of US employment law. An experienced attorney can guide their client through the EEOC claim process, ensuring the claim is filed appropriately and meeting all applicable deadlines.

Filing a Civil Claim for a Hostile Work Environment

It’s possible for a hostile work environment to arise due to the actions of a specific party unbeknownst to the organization’s leadership. Once an EEOC claim is filed, the employer must work with the EEOC in their investigation and take appropriate remedial action. If a specific employee created the hostile work environment in question, they could lose their job or face other disciplinary action. In severe cases, they could face criminal charges, loss of professional licenses, and various other personal and professional penalties.

When company leaders face hostile work environment claims and other disputes with their employees, they typically prefer to settle these cases as quickly as possible through private settlement negotiations with claimants. Your attorney can help you prepare for settlement discussions with the defendant named in your claim. Hostile work environment cases tend to touch on multiple areas of California and US employment law, and it’s vital to have guidance and support from an experienced legal team to ensure an appropriate result from your civil claim.

It’s natural for anyone to have lots of questions when they’ve endured a hostile work environment for any period of time. The Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams have helped many Orange County, CA clients navigate difficult employment law disputes and reach favorable outcomes in these difficult cases.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Legal Criteria for a Hostile Work Environment?

A: A hostile work environment is any workplace in which an employee feels as though they cannot complete their job duties due to the mistreatment they experience on a consistent basis, or in single incidents in severe cases. It can be difficult for an employee affected by a hostile work environment to recognize when they have grounds for legal action, and consulting an experienced attorney is the best option for these individuals.

Q: Can an Employee Recover Damages for a Hostile Work Environment?

A: A hostile work environment could potentially cause an employee to lose their job, or they may not earn as much as they could due to disruptions from mistreatment at work. An experienced employment attorney can help their client determine the scope of damages they can seek in their claim. This may include lost income, lost benefits, attorneys’ fees, and compensation for emotional distress from their experience.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Causing a Hostile Work Environment?

A: Employers can be fined if they engage in illegal discrimination or harassment of an employee on the basis of the employee’s protected qualities. These fines can be very expensive, and the employer is also likely to suffer a significant blow to their public reputation. Individuals who commit severe acts against employees that not only create hostile work environments but also measurably harm these victims can face criminal penalties, loss of professional licenses, and civil liability for victims’ damages.

Q: Is it Worth Hiring an Attorney for a Hostile Work Environment Case?

A: If you believe you have grounds for legal action in response to the hostile work environment you’ve endured, it’s vital to consult an attorney as soon as possible. If you are concerned about the potential cost of your legal fees, many hostile work environment claimants are eligible to seek compensation for attorneys’ fees from the defendants named in their cases, so there are no reasons for anyone to forego legal representation in a hostile work environment case.

Hostile work environment claims are multifaceted, often difficult to prove, and usually involve very complex employment statutes. The right workplace discrimination attorney can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of a hostile work environment case. To discuss your claim with an experienced and reliable hostile work environment attorney, contact the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams and schedule a consultation with our team and find out how we can assist you.