Long Beach Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Long Beach Sexual Harassment Attorney

Sexual harassment at work breaks federal and state laws, which protect staff against hostile or intimidating activities through unwanted behavior. Residents of Long Beach, California, facing workplace harassment can get help from a Long Beach sexual harassment lawyer to protect their safety, dignity, and career. Victims seeking justice should understand the complexities of sexual harassment laws and recognize both types of harassment and legal options available to them.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams?

The Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams offers a distinctive combination of vast professional experience and absolute dedication to safeguarding employee rights throughout California. As the founder of our firm, Corbett H. Williams possesses a notable career background where he practiced law at the renowned international firm Jones Day while representing major corporate clients such as publicly traded companies and Fortune 500 businesses throughout America.

Our legal team maintains a strict commitment to transparent and regular communication which allows clients to remain informed and actively engaged during their legal proceedings. We work to secure optimal outcomes for every client.

Understanding Sexual Harassment in Long Beach

Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances along with requests for sexual favors and any physical or verbal behavior that has a sexual aspect. There are primarily two recognized forms:

• Quid Pro Quo harassment. When job decisions like promotions or employment continuation depend on an employee agreeing to sexual advances, it becomes a case of harassment. An example of quid pro quo harassment includes a supervisor threatening to terminate an employee unless they consent to go on a date.
• Hostile work environment. Hostile work environment harassment happens when unwanted sexual behavior disrupts an employee’s job performance and creates a threatening or offensive work atmosphere. Workplace harassment examples include continuous inappropriate jokes (especially after being asked to stop), unsolicited remarks about appearance, and sexually explicit material displays.

California Protections

California maintains a strict posture towards sexual harassment to ensure strong protection for its workforce. Some statutes in place to protect employees include:

• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The act makes harassment based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation illegal. Employers must enact all reasonable measures to prevent harassment under this requirement.
• Employer responsibilities. California employers with five or more workers must provide sexual harassment prevention training to their staff. Supervisors must receive a minimum of two hours of training, which should be repeated every two years, and non-supervisory staff must receive one hour of training, which also needs to be repeated every two years.

Legal Options

Those who have been victims of sexual harassment have options available to them in order to seek justice. These include:

• Submitting an internal complaint. Employees should report harassment issues to their supervisor or the company’s HR department. According to California law, employers must maintain established procedures for handling complaints.
• Contacting the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). When internal measures fail or don’t exist, victims should turn to the DFEH to report their complaint. The agency conducts investigations into allegations and offers mediation services to resolve disputes between parties.
• Filing a civil claim. After the DFEH completes an investigation, victims can pursue a civil claim against their employer and potentially the harasser. Victims who successfully litigate their case may be awarded reinstatement and back pay along with damages for emotional distress.

Employer Responsibility

The law requires employers to protect their staff from sexual harassment originating both internally or from third parties, including clients and vendors. Employers face liability when they either know about harassment or should reasonably have known about it but do not implement immediate corrective measures.

When an employee reports inappropriate client behavior, employers must start an investigation without delay. Once misconduct has been verified, the employer needs to implement measures to halt it, which could involve assigning the client to a different account or formally notifying them about their unacceptable actions.

Employers have no direct authority over third parties, yet they need to implement measures to halt harassment, which may include terminating business relationships. If an employer does not take action or reprimands the employee in order to protect the business relationship, they could face legal consequences.

FAQs About Sexual Harassment Law in Long Beach,CA

How Much Does a Harassment Lawyer Cost?

Several factors determine the price of a harassment lawyer, including their experience, as well as the complexity of the case, and their fee arrangement. Attorneys bill differently since some work on hourly rates or flat fees and others receive payment only if they win your case under a contingency arrangement. It’s important to discuss payment details at your initial consultation with a lawyer to make sure you understand any costs you might incur.

Can You File a Claim for Harassment in California?

Yes, you can file a claim for harassment in California. Depending on the situation, victims of harassment can seek legal recourse via state agencies or civil courts. The law allows for financial restitution, modifications in the workplace environment and additional measures to protect against future harm. An attorney can provide guidance about which legal steps to take.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Harassment Charge?

Legal representation is optional but offers significant advantages for those accused of harassment. An attorney enables you to effectively manage complicated legal procedures while protecting your rights and constructing a solid case. Representation protects your interests throughout court proceedings and negotiations.

What Qualifies as Harassment in CA?

California defines harassment as conduct that targets protected characteristics like sex or gender and results in creating a hostile or offensive environment. Harassment takes various forms, including verbal threats, physical intimidation, unwanted advances, and continuous inappropriate behavior. The law covers workplace environments, housing, and public facilities to protect people from discriminatory and abusive treatment in various life situations.

Contact the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams Today

If you have been harassed in the workplace, the responsible parties should be held accountable. The Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams can help you seek justice. Contact us today to get started.