What compensation and other remedies am I entitled to for sexual harassment under the FEHA?

What Compensation And Other Remedies Am I Entitled To For Sexual Harassment Under The FEHA?

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) gives you far more protections against sexual harassment than other federal laws prohibiting this form of discrimination. For example, it covers employers who employ as few as one employee. In addition, employers and any other person who sexually harass an employee or an applicant can face liability under the FEHA. You also may be entitled to more compensation under FEHA than you would receive under federal civil rights laws.

Compensation and Other Remedies You Could Obtain Under FEHA

The consequences of unlawful sexual harassment can be severe for the perpetrators under FEHA. You could be entitled to the following:

• Compensatory damages. This type of damages pays for the financial harm you suffered due to the sexual harassment. You could receive back pay, front pay, past and future benefits, and medical expenses.
• Emotional distress damages. This compensates you for the emotional trauma you suffered due to being sexually harassed. Unlike federal laws, there is no cap on the amount of emotional distress and punitive damages you can receive. Victims can receive large emotional distress awards in California, but the amount you may obtain would be based on the facts of your case.
• Punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the person who sexually harassed you, not compensate you. This type of damages is awarded when the discriminatory actions are especially offensive.
• Attorney fees. Under the FEHA, you can recover your reasonable attorney fees, court costs, litigation expenses, and expert witness fees as part of your damage award.
• Injunctive relief. Injunctive relief is an order requiring your employer to take or stop doing certain illegal actions. This can be an order of the judge prohibiting your employer from engaging in the sexual harassment you endured in the future. It can also include reinstating your job if you were terminated, giving you a promotion, or correcting other illegal practices you were subject to.

If you were the victim of sexual harassment, you need to enforce your important basic legal rights to be free of this type of discrimination and receive the compensation you may deserve.

Call our firm today at 949-528-4220 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn about your legal rights and options.

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