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Unfortunately, sexual harassment is a widespread issue in the United States. Recently, the #metoo movement has shined a bright light on high-profile cases of people with known reputation as predators. However, there are even more not as well-known cases that occur everyday because victims are afraid of the repercussions of speaking up.
In the workplace, any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable. Many victims are unaware of the legal rights and safeguards available to protect them and hold their employers accountable. If you work in Riverside and have been the victim of sexual harassment at work, our attorneys at Walker Law, P.C. will do everything possible to empower you with the confidence to speak up. Our Riverside sexual harassment attorneys do not tolerate such despicable behavior from employers. We want our clients to have the peace of mind knowing that they have attorneys advocating and fighting for their rights.
Sexual harassment is defined as “unwelcome sexual approaches or conduct of a sexual character that unreasonably interferes with a person’s ability to fulfill the duties of their position or produces an intimidating, hostile, or unpleasant work environment.”
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) released a report in June 2016 entitled “The Task Force on the Study of Harassment in the Workplace” that revealed how sex was the basis for 45% of all harassment accusations made and that at least 25% of women reported being sexually harassed at work.
Sexual harassment can take many forms. Sexual harassment may not always be explicitly sexual in nature. For instance, statements or actions that make the workplace unfriendly and unprofessional can be considered sexual harassment. The following are some of the categories of activities that sexual harassment claims may fall into:
Damages in sexual harassment claims can be high if the jury believes the victim. Given the he-said/she-said nature of these claims, these claims are often adjudicated outside of the courtroom and settled. However, that does not mean that all cases are not strong for trial. There are many factors that go into deciding whether trial is the right course of action, including the emotional capacity of the victim and whether the employee would rather just have the claim go away quietly and non-publicly.
Of course, the strength of the claim will have a large impact on whether trial or settlement is the proper course of action. Employees who want to bring forth a claim should be meticulous in gathering evidence and be careful as to who to disclose information. Even the closest of friends may feel an obligation to report up, and the timing of when the claim is brought can be crucial if the employee is still gathering evidence and determining who are witnesses that can corroborate the story.
If a claim is brought to trial, here are some of the damages a victim can look to claim:
There is no excuse in the world for an employer who tolerates the sexual harassment of their employees. Being free from predatory actions is a basic right that all employees are entitled to. At Walker Law, P.C., we’ll make sure that your voice is heard and that your employer knows that you won’t go away without a fair course of action. Our Riverside sexual harassment attorneys are ready to fight for you today. Contact Walker Law, P.C. today for your free consultation.