San Diego Workplace Sexual Assault Attorney
Being sexually assaulted is always a traumatic experience. When it happens in the workplace, it not only threatens your safety and well-being, but it can also have devastating effects on your financial situation and career growth. A San Diego workplace sexual assault lawyer can help you file a claim to push for a full recovery from your damages.
Why Work With Jimenez Loayza, APC?
Jiménez Loayza, APC, is a firm dedicated to protecting the rights of San Diego employees. We understand how impactful sexual assault is on every area of your life, which is why we work tirelessly to pursue fair compensation for victims. Throughout your case, our team is by your side to explain your legal options and take the right steps to hold your employer accountable.
While awards can never guarantee future results, both of our esteemed attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers. Contact our firm today to hire a workplace sexual assault lawyer who cares about you and your rights.
An Overview of Sexual Assault in San Diego Workplaces
Sexual assault is a serious workplace issue across San Diego, whether you work for a smaller business or a major employer such as the University of California San Diego or Sharp HealthCare. About 27% of women and 8% of men have experienced sexual assault.
A workplace sexual assault case involves unwanted physical sexual contact, coercion, or other forms of non-consensual sexual behavior that occur at work or are related to your work.
Sexual assault is a criminal offense in California. In 2025, there were 738 sexual assault crimes in San Diego. Even if the offender is facing criminal charges, you can file a claim against the offender or your employer.
California employees have strong legal protections during a workplace sexual assault case. Employers are required to maintain a safe environment free from harassment and assault and are required to take prompt action when complaints arise. Employees have the right to file claims against an employer who ignores reports, fails to investigate reports, permits a hostile work environment, or retaliates against employees for reporting sexual assault.
What You Should Do After Experiencing Sexual Assault at Work
Many sexual assault cases go unreported. This is often because victims are worried about the impact of filing a claim on their career or are unsure what can be done. However, working with a San Diego workplace sexual assault lawyer can help you pursue justice while protecting yourself from unfair and unlawful consequences.
If you have experienced sexual assault, some steps you can take are:
- Document the case. Record when and where the assault occurred and write down details about what happened. Additionally, preserve any relevant evidence, such as texts or emails with the offender, security camera recordings, or witnesses.
- File an internal report. Employers have a responsibility to respond to claims of a workplace sexual assault case. File a complaint with your manager, supervisor, or HR department.
- Hire a workplace sexual assault lawyer. If internal reporting is not addressing the issue, it is time to speak with a lawyer about filing a claim. A lawyer can explain the process of filing through government agencies such as the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Damages in a Workplace Sexual Assault Case
Victims of workplace sexual assault can file a claim to recover compensation for the damages they have suffered. The three main types of damages that can be recovered include:
- Daños económicos. These damages are your financial losses, such as lost wages and benefits, medical expenses, and the cost of counseling.
- Daños no económicos. These damages are intangible losses, such as humiliation, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or damage to your reputation.
- Daños punitivos. Rather than being awarded to make up for a loss you have suffered, punitive damages are awarded to punish your employer. These damages are only available in cases of extreme or willful misconduct.
Why You Should Hire a Workplace Sexual Assault Lawyer When Filing a Claim
Sexual assault is an overwhelming experience that often involves a difficult recovery period. A San Diego workplace sexual assault lawyer can help you during this difficult time by managing the legal aspects of your case so you can recover. A lawyer can:
- Gather evidence
- Explain relevant employment laws
- Identify filing deadlines and requirements
- Communicate with your employer
- Calculate the financial value of your losses
- Negotiate for fair compensation
Preguntas frecuentes
What Happens If You Are Sexually Harassed at Work?
If you are sexually harassed at work, you can report the incident internally to human resources or your management, or you can file a complaint with state or federal agencies. When internal reports fail to resolve the issue, filing with government agencies can help you take legal action to recover losses such as backpay, frontpay, or pain and suffering. If you have been harassed, a workplace sexual assault attorney in San Diego, California can explain what actions to take next.
What Constitutes Sexual Assault in the Workplace?
Sexual assault in the workplace includes any unwanted physical or sexual contact. This includes unwanted touching, rape or attempted rape, or coerced or forced sexual activity. Workplace sexual assault happens when these actions are related to your job, such as if they occurred while at the workplace, during work events or travel, or with a coworker or manager.
Does California Have a Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault?
Yes, California does have a prescripción on certain sexual assault cases, but they can vary depending on your case. For example, severe offenses such as forcible rape do not have a statute of limitations, but most employment claims must be filed en un plazo de tres años. Because of the complex deadlines involved in these cases, you should hire a workplace sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Workplace Sexual Assault Penalties in California?
In California, employers and the individual offender may face workplace sexual assault penalties. Often, an employer must provide compensation for victims or be required to change discriminatory workplace policies or procedures. The offender may also be left with criminal penalties for a sex crime, such as jail or prison time, fines, or sex offender registration.
Hire a Workplace Sexual Assault Lawyer
If you are ready to learn how filing a claim can help support your recovery after workplace sexual assault, contact Jimenez Loayza, APC, to request a free case consultation.
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