WORKPLACE SEXUAL ORIENTATION DISCRIMINATION

In California, it is illegal to discriminate against someone at work because of their sexual orientation. This type of discrimination can take many different forms, including (but not limited to) refusing to hire someone because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender and making offensive comments about someone’s sexual orientation.

WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT

While workplace sexual harassment can take many forms, it generally falls into one of two categories: quid pro quo or hostile work environment.

QUID PRO QUO HARASSMENT

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when an individual in a position of power attempts to trade favors or benefits for sexual favors. For instance, a supervisor may tell an employee that they will only receive a promotion if they sleep with them.

HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT HARASSMENT

Hostile work environment harassment refers to situations where an individual is made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe due to sexually suggestive comments or behavior. This type of harassment can occur between coworkers, supervisors, subordinates, or even customers and vendors.

For hostile work environment harassment to be present, the conduct must be severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would find offensive. Additionally, the victim must actually perceive the environment as being harassing.

Examples of behavior that might create a hostile work environment include making lewd comments, telling sexually explicit jokes, displaying pornographic images, and sending unwanted emails or text messages of a sexual nature.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED WORKPLACE HARASSMENT?

Workplace harassment is defined as any unwelcome conduct that is based on an individual’s protected characteristic, such as race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or military service.

HOW DO YOU PROVE WORKPLACE HARASSMENT?

There are a few things you can do to build a strong workplace harassment case. Here’s what you need to know.

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS

One of the best ways to prove workplace harassment is to have eyewitnesses who can validate your claims. If other people saw or heard the harassing behavior, their testimony can be invaluable in court. Ideally, you should try to get written statements from any witnesses so that their stories can’t be changed or distorted later on.

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

Another important thing to do if you’re being harassed at work is to document everything. Keep a detailed record of all the incidents, including what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. This will give you a solid foundation to work from if you decide to take legal action against your employer or a coworker.

FILE A COMPLAINT WITH HR

If your company has an HR department, make sure to file a formal complaint about the harassment. This will create a paper trail that can be used as evidence if necessary. Be sure to keep copies of any correspondence with HR, so you have documentation of your efforts to stop the harassment.

CONTACT A WORKPLACE HARASSMENT LAWYER

If you’re being harassed at work, it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Experienced workplace harassment attorneys can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case and secure the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Don’t try to handle it alone — let an expert guide you through this difficult time so you can focus on healing and moving on with your life.

HOW MUCH IS A WORKPLACE HARASSMENT CASE WORTH?

A few different factors affect how much compensation you may be eligible to receive if you have been harassed or discriminated against at work. These include:

• The severity of the harassment or discrimination
• The length of time the behavior occurred
• Whether or not you suffered any financial damages
• Whether or not you suffered any emotional damages

In general, workplace harassment claims are worth more when the harassment is severe and/or has had a significant impact on your life. For example, if you have been harassed to the point where you have had to take time off work or quit your job, you will likely be entitled to compensation for lost wages and/or future lost earnings. If the harassment has caused you to suffer from anxiety or depression, you may also be able to recover damages for emotional distress.

GOMEZ TRIAL ATTORNEYS ARE HERE TO HELP WITH YOUR WORKPLACE HARASSMENT CLAIM

No one deserves to be mistreated at work. If you believe you have been the victim of workplace discrimination or harassment, know that you have rights and there are steps you can take to end the mistreatment.

By taking action, you can help ensure that other people don’t have to experience what you did and that your workplace is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. If you’re looking for a San Diego Workplace Harassment Lawyer, contact Gomez Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation by calling 866-TRIAL LAW (866-874-2552) or contacting us online.

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