Experiencing workplace harassment is never okay. Additionally, targeting someone for sex-related reasons is illegal. Luckily, if you work in California and are experiencing workplace sexual harassment, you can take heart knowing both California state laws and federal regulations safeguard employees. Moreover, a skilled Orange County sexual harassment lawyer at the Law Office of John Dalton can help you seek justice and hold your employer accountable for their damaging actions. With a track record of reclaiming tens of millions of dollars for our clients, our Orange County sexual harassment lawyers will work diligently toward securing justice for you.
What Constitutes Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual conduct that affects an individual’s employment. Unwelcome conduct includes experiencing or rejecting inappropriate sexual advances, suggestions, or behaviors, whether verbal or physical. Additionally, any gender related conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating workplace environment or interferes with job performance constitutes sexual harassment.
Also of note is that under California law, offensive conduct does not need to stem from sexual desire. Alternatively, it may be based on an individual’s actual or perceived sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Sexual harassment can also include derogatory comments about someone’s gender, not just explicit acts or comments. Furthermore, sexual harassment can involve multiple perpetrators and occur between employees of the same or different genders, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
What Are the Two Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Two types of workplace sexual harassment give rise to legal claims, ‘hostile work environment’ and ‘quid pro quo harassment.’
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo, Latin for “something for something,” occurs when a manager, supervisor or anyone with authority seeks sexual favors for a benefit or to avoid workplace mistreatment. For instance, asking for dates or implied sexual favors as a condition of employment, for a promotion, or any benefit associated with your employment. Quid pro quo sexual harassment could also be from threatening your job if the demand, whatever the demand might be, isn’t met.
Hostile Work Environment Harassment
This form of harassment involves offensive behavior that is pervasive and creates an environment that affects the victim’s work environment. Hostile work environment sexual harassment can originate from any level within the organization. Multiple incidents and actors can also create a hostile work environment, even if they do not direct their speech at the victim. Instances might include unwanted physical contact, remarks about a person’s body, asking personal questions, telling sex-based jokes, making comments about their own sexual preferences or experiences, sharing sexual images, or comments that are sex-based. To be a victim, this type of conduct does not have to be directed at you. If you witness this type of conduct in the workplace you are a victim.
Whether you are experiencing one or both types of sexual harassment, a skilled Orange County sexual harassment attorney at the Law Office of John Dalton can assist you. Call us immediately for a free consultation, and let us help you get justice.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to File a Sexual Harassment Complaint?
In instances of quid pro quo harassment, sometimes if it is clear. However, knowing whether behavior crosses the line into illegality can be difficult when the misconduct is less clear. One sure sign it’s time to take legal action is when the harassing behavior begins to affect your work environment. It is important to remember that you have the right to report any misconduct, regardless of its frequency or scope. And a solitary occurrence can suffice for a complaint. No matter the situation, you are still protected from retaliation for reporting your concerns, whether legally unlawful or not. Additionally, your employer is still obligated to investigate and resolve the issue.
The most important action you can take is to call Orange County sexual harassment attorneys at the Law Office of John Dalton. Our team can assess your situation, inform you of your rights, and guide you through potential courses of action.
How Can an Orange County Sexual Harassment Lawyer at the Law Office of John Dalton Help?
At the Law Office of John Dalton, our exemplary track record, including some of the largest employment law verdicts and settlements in the U.S., speaks magnitudes about our expertise. As your sexual harassment legal representative, you can expect nothing less than a zealous, skilled, and empathetic representation that is determined to uphold your rights and achieve justice. Our services include:
- Detailed consultations—John Dalton will attentively listen to your concerns, analyze your evidence, and determine the strength of your claim;
- Strategic advice—before reporting sexual harassment to your employer or authorities, we’ll devise a precise strategy to preserve your claim’s integrity;
- Robust case development—our team will collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and construct a rock-solid workplace sexual harassment claim;
- Diplomatic negotiations and tenacious litigation—drawing on experience from his time in the Central Intelligence Agency, attorney John Dalton is skilled in negotiation and diplomacy, aiming for a fair settlement, and is ready to represent you in court; and
- Relentless pursuit of compensation—whether through negotiation, mediation, or trial, our objective is to recover compensation for lost income, emotional distress, legal fees, and any additional losses you’ve endured due to sexual harassment.
We are firmly committed to defending your rights at every phase. From lodging legal complaints to negotiation or courtroom representation, the Law Office of John Dalton pledges thorough, empathetic, and professional legal service. Contact us today for a free consultation!