La Jolla Sexual Harassment Attorney
Every person deserves to feel safe in the workplace. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Sexual harassment is a prevalent issue in California workplaces, despite the many laws and individual policies in place to keep employees safe. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. A La Jolla sexual harassment lawyer from Jimenez Loayza, APC, can represent your interests.
Our attorneys have extensive hands-on experience with labor law violations in California, so we’re confident we can navigate your sexual harassment claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
A Look at the Workforce in California
There are approximately 1,568,600 people in the California workforce. San Diego County, specifically, is known for having a strong economy and boasts a low unemployment rate, too. In recent years, women had a 60 percent and men had a 73 percent participation rate in the labor workforce. Seven industries make up about 67.5 percent of the San Diego metro area’s economy:
- Accommodation and food services
- Construction
- Educational services
- Healthcare and social work
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Scientific and technical services
Sexual harassment pervades essentially every industry. That said, many of the industries listed above are known for higher rates of reports on average. In general, jobs that rely on service-sector employees often experience more sexual harassment reports. No matter where you work, it’s important to understand your rights as an employee.
If you’re facing any form of discrimination in the workplace, including sexual harassment, you can count on our skilled legal team at Jimenez Loayza, APC, to seek legal recourse for your losses.
Sexual Harassment in La Jolla Workplaces
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination aimed at a person due to their gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment does not have to be motivated by sexual desire, though it can often involve unwanted sexual advances. There are two main types of sexual harassment recognized in California:
- Hostile work environment. Unwanted comments and behavior can ultimately interfere with an employee’s work and make them feel unsafe in the workplace. It’s even possible for others who witness the harassment to be affected by the conduct.
- Quid pro quo. This is Latin for “this for that” and refers to someone asking for sexual favors, often in exchange for some form of work benefit.
California employers with five or more employees must provide sexual harassment training, but all employers, regardless of the number of employees, are affected by California employee discrimination laws. Employers can be held liable for harassment, even if they weren’t the direct perpetrator themselves. They are required to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment and can be found at fault if they fail to take the appropriate action.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in La Jolla
If you want to file a sexual harassment claim in La Jolla, you must do so within three years of the last incident. It’s important to determine who can be held liable for your claim so you can recover the maximum amount.
For instance, if you reported the harassment to your employer and they failed to do anything about it, you may be eligible to file against them as well as the harasser themselves. A sexual harassment lawyer can determine whom to file against and how to pursue your claims.
You can typically recover various types of damages, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Future earnings
- Lost wages and/or benefits
- Medical/therapy expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Rehiring/reinstatement
A La Jolla sexual harassment lawyer can assess your claim and strategize with you on how to strengthen your case. We want you to be successful in holding the responsible party or parties accountable for their actions, and we can use our knowledge and legal resources to make it happen.
FAQs
Q: Who Can I File Against for Sexual Harassment in La Jolla?
A: It’s possible that there may be more than one at-fault party for a sexual harassment incident. For example, you could recover damages from the direct perpetrator as well as your employer for not putting a stop to the behavior. In situations where a third-party vendor or shareholder was the harasser, you could also file against their place of business.
Q: How Do I Prove Sexual Harassment in La Jolla?
A: Sexual harassment can take many forms, so the types of evidence you may need to prove your claim can vary. That said, some of the most common pieces of evidence to gather include:
- Communications between you and the harasser
- Photo and video evidence of the harassment
- Records of you speaking with your employer about the situation
Q: How Is Sexual Harassment Defined in California?
A: Sexual harassment is a type of sex discrimination based on a person’s gender, gender expression/identity, sex, and sexual orientation. Quid pro quo sexual harassment refers to a person who is typically in a position of power requesting sexual favors from someone beneath them in exchange for employment benefits. Hostile work environment sexual harassment refers to the harasser’s actions interfering with the victim’s workday, thereby making the workplace an unsafe environment for them.
Q: How Much Can I Recover From a Sexual Harassment Claim in La Jolla?
A: The exact amount you can recover from a sexual harassment claim in La Jolla depends on the details of your case. Typical civil remedies for these types of claims involve economic and non-economic damages, including emotional distress as well as lost wages and benefits. Other remedies may include changes in policies and practices at your place of work. A La Jolla sexual harassment lawyer can bolster your claim to secure the maximum amount.
Talk to a La Jolla Sexual Harassment Lawyer About Your Situation Today
If you’re considering filing a sexual harassment claim, get in touch with a La Jolla sexual harassment lawyer who can represent you through the process. Our team at Jimenez Loayza, APC, has extensive experience in handling employment law cases, including class actions, and we can put our experience to work for you. Contact our office to set up a consultation with our team today.
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