Irvine Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Sexual harassment is more than just an inconvenience. It is against the law. And if you have been forced to deal with a hostile work environment–or faced an adverse employment action–on the basis of sex, you have the right to take legal action. Indeed, many California and federal laws provide strong remedies for victims of sexual harassment.
Your first step in taking action should be to speak with a qualified Irvine sexual harassment lawyer. At The Garza Firm, our team has over 60 years of combined high-level experience representing victims of sexual harassment throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties. If you have any reason to suspect that you have been the target of sexual harassment, it is in your best interest to contact us as soon as possible so we can learn more about your case.
What Is Considered Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Sexual harassment is a form of illegal sex-based discrimination under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Sexual harassment can be divided into two broad categories:
- Quid pro quo harassment – an employer or prospective employer makes an offer to exchange sexual behaviors for workplace benefits.
- Hostile work environment harassment – an employee is subject to severe, pervasive, and unwelcome advances or conduct based, at least in part, on their sex, and it affects the conditions of their employment.
Quid pro quo harassment is often the easier type to prove. Some common examples include:
- A manager offers to hire a job applicant in exchange for going on a date.
- A manager is in a consensual sexual relationship with an employee, but the manager threatens to fire the employee if they break it off.
- A manager offers a raise or some other job-specific benefit in exchange for a sexual favor.
As for hostile work environment harassment, there must be proof of conduct that is either “severe” or “pervasive” enough to affect your ability to do your job. A jury will look at whether or not a “reasonable person” in your situation would view the challenged conduct as harassment. It is also important to note that a hostile work environment may come from a variety of people in the workplace, not just your manager. There are cases where the actions of co-workers, customers, and even independent contractors at your place of work can cause or contribute to sexual harassment.
Contact The Garza Firm Today
Sexual harassment takes an enormous emotional, physical, and financial toll on its victims. That is why the FEHA and federal law enable victims of harassment to seek monetary damages, including back pay and compensation for their pain, suffering, and mental anguish. But the first step in seeking compensation is to sit down and review your case with an experienced Irvine sexual harassment lawyer.
At The Garza Firm, we care about our clients and expend every effort to obtain justice on their behalf. So if you need to speak with a skilled, compassionate lawyer who understands California sexual harassment law, contact The Garza Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
