Harassment of any kind is never acceptable, but sexual harassment in the workplace can be especially toxic. Sexual harassment in California takes many forms and can cause real trauma, and place victims not just in a psychological state of danger but often evolves into physical danger. Victims often do not know how to address the situation or fear retaliation if they report it. For some, the only two responses are either to allow it or quit. Neither of those options are acceptable as a long-lasting solution for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. You should never have to succumb to sexual harassment to maintain your job. Likewise, you should never have to quit your job to escape sexual harassment. 

At Miller Wilmers, APC, our sexual harassment lawyers based in Los Angeles recover compensation for victims harmed by sexual harassment. The laws are very specific and stringent as is the statute of limitations, so there is no room for error. Contact us at 661-312-8370 to schedule a Free Consultation today.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment in California?

Sexual harassment and sex discrimination in the workplace refers to not only unfair treatment based on your sex, but to unwelcome behaviors motivated by sex. Harassment that is sexual in nature in the more well-known form of workplace sexual harassment but it is important to note that behavior that is offensive in regards to a particular sex in general is actionable. 

While sexual harassment generally conjures up an image of a male harassing a female, in reality, it can also be a female harassing a male, or a person harassing another person of the same sex. Keep in mind, to be considered harassment, the behavior must be more than a simple offhand, isolated comment; although a single instance, if severe enough, can be enough for actionable sexual harassment. Harassment occurs frequently or is so severe that it results in the victim being forced to work in an offensive or hostile work environment. 

In addition, it can be considered sexual harassment when the victim is fired, demoted, or passed over for promotion as a repercussion of the harassment.  

As the above suggests and according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, two basic types of sexual harassment exist:

1. Quid pro quo sexual harassment, which occurs when a superior or someone in a position of authority (e.g., manager or supervisor) asks for unwanted sexual favors or an inappropriate relationship in return for a promotion, pay raise, a promise not to fire, or other on-the-job benefits; or
2. Hostile work environment, which occurs when employees are allowed to make crude jokes, share pictures or content of a sexual nature, make sexual comments, or other similar behavior to co-workers, thus, creating a hostile work environment

If you live or work in Los Angeles and have experienced either of these types of harassment, contact Miller Wilmers, APC to learn about how you should proceed. Depending on the facts and circumstances, the next steps you take may vary, but these steps are also what may protect you and your rights as an employee in California. 

Examples of Sexual Harassment in California

Employers and employees should be clear on what actually constitutes sexual harassment. Following are examples of what is generally considered to be sexual harassment in the workplace.

• Inappropriate touching, rubbing, or rubbing up against another person 
• Inappropriate sexual gestures
• Making offensive comments about a certain sex, in general,
• Commenting on the physical appearance of others, including particular body parts and/or clothing
• Sharing inappropriate sexual media, such as pornographic photographs and videos
• Making comments regarding a person's gender or sexual orientation
• Telling inappropriate, lewd, and sexually-based jokes

Sexual harassment can take many different forms. So, if the actions of another person in the workspace create a hostile work environment by making you feel as though you are the subject of sexual harassment, get advice on how to handle it today. 

Liability in Sexual Harassment Cases in California

Employees can be held personally liable for sexually harassing co-workers or subordinates as well as the Employer, particularly when they are aware of the conduct and have not taken any action to prevent this harassment. Determining when an employee or an employer (or both) are liable for sexual harassment depends on the particulars of each situation. 

Is the Employer Liable for Sexual Harassment?

To start the process to uncover the answer to this question, you should ask other questions, like: 

• Was the sexual harasser a person in a supervisory position to the victim?
• Did the harassment result in a hostile work environment?
• Did the employer have control over the employee committing the harassment?
• Did the employer know or should it have known about the harassment and failed to take prompt and proper corrective action?
• Did the victim suffer an employment loss, such as being fired or demoted? 
• Was anyone in the company aware of the harassment, like a supervisor or someone in human resources? 
• Does the employer make each employee attend training on sexual harassment?
• Are there employer policies in place to prevent sexual harassment?
• Are sexual harassment prevention policies implemented and executed?

Whether or not the employer is liable will come down to who, what, where, and when. Also, keep in mind that some states hold employers strictly liable for sexual harassment. Thus, finding fault – like the above questions are meant to do – is not necessary. This alone is the reason why you should speak to an employment law attorney in your area to make sure you know what the law is and if it applies to your case so that you can address it timely and properly.

What Are Employee Responsibilities to Prevent Sexual Harassment in California?

Employers are not the only ones that need to be proactive to prevent sexual harassment. Employees must also be active and vigilant to promote a healthy, non-hostile work environment. They can do this by familiarizing themselves with the employer's policies on sexual harassment and complying with the mandated rules. They should also remain aware of their surroundings, being watchful of harassment against themselves and others. When sexual harassment occurs, the employee should make it clear to the harasser that they find their conduct offensive and ask them to refrain from such behavior in the future. Also, when a co-worker has been the victim of sexual harassment, it is important that others show them support in their actions to stop the harassment.  

Our biggest concern with employees who have witnessed or are experiencing sexual harassment is the escalation of danger that often occurs when tolerant victims believe it is not in their best interest to report or complain about the harmful conduct. Please make a complaint to the employer, Human resources, or a manager. 

What Should Employees in California Do if Sexually Harassed in the Workplace?

When an employee feels that they are the victim of sexual harassment, they are not without recourse. A few important steps should be taken to protect your rights.

1. Keep a record. An employee who has been harassed should keep detailed records of the harassment, including where and when it happened as well as the name (or names) of the abuser(s). Detailed notes are important. If litigation occurs in the future, it is helpful to have the notes to jog memories.
2. Report the harassment. Employees should immediately report the harassment to their supervisor or a member of human resources. It is then in their hands to investigate and take appropriate action.
3. Speak to an attorney. If reporting the harassment does not resolve the issue, the employee should speak with an attorney that handles sexual harassment claims. 

In sexual harassment cases, time is of the essence. There are limits on how long an employee has to file a complaint for harassment. The clock starts ticking after the last incident of discrimination occurs. Time limits are dependent on state and federal claims. 

• State complaints. Each state has its own statute of limitations, so if you are filing a state-based complaint, you should make sure with your attorney what the deadlines are. The Statute of Limitations with the Fair Employment and Housing Act require an administrative complaint inside three years from the date of the harmful conduct; increased from 1 year in 2020. 
• Federal complaints. If you are filing a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), you need to file a charge within 180 calendar days from the last day the discrimination took place. This time limit can be extended to 300 days if a state or local agency enforces a law that also prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Remedies for Sexual Harassment Cases in California

There are a number of remedies that may be available to you if you have been the subject of sexual harassment in the workplace. Three potential and important remedies include:

1. Compensation. If you prove your sexual harassment case, you are entitled to compensation. The extent of compensation depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to the presence and extent of emotional distress, loss of wages, lost professional opportunities, medical expenses (like those for psychological care), and the nature and degree of the harassment (verbal versus physical).
2. Opportunities. If you lost a job or professional opportunity, that job or opportunity could be offered or provided again.
3. Alterations. Your employer should make sure your workspace is safe. This can include anything from improved training to the removal of the harasser.  

Contact an Employment Law Attorney in Los Angeles Today

It is critical to consult a sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible after you have experienced sexual harassment, retaliation, or any other type of discrimination in the workplace. As time goes by, witnesses may forget details and deadlines will expire. 

At Miller Wilmers, APC, our employment law attorney will provide legal guidance and, if necessary and beneficial to you, file a sexual harassment complaint in California. Contact us today by filling out the online form or calling us at 6613128370 to schedule a Free Consultation.