How To File a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim in Lancaster, CA

Being a victim of sexual harassment can be emotional, confusing, and infuriating. You may want to take immediate legal action, but you may be unsure of how to do it. There’s a process in California that you can go through to ensure that your situation is taken seriously and investigated by the right people. You should consider hiring a Lancaster sexual harassment lawyer to help. Knowing how to file a workplace sexual harassment claim regarding your Lancaster, CA employment is important.

With the help of the legal team at Kramer Brown Hui LLP, you can get a legal claim started that will investigate your sexual harassment situation and help you get some degree of justice for what happened to you. We know how hard it can be to file a claim for legal action and take such action against your employer. You may be reluctant to do this out of fear of negative consequences at work. We can help you make sure your case is investigated properly.

Sexual Harassment in California

According to information gathered by the California Civil Rights Department, there were over 1,600 female employees who dealt with sex discrimination, equal pay claims, and sexual harassment incidents in various California workplaces in 2023, resulting in a number of significant settlements. Unfortunately, this behavior is common in workplaces across the country. If it happens to you, you should consider reaching out to a Lancaster employment lawyer for help.

Being the victim of sexual harassment can put a significant strain on your mental and emotional health. It can affect your job performance, give you trust issues, and make it difficult for you to find work in the same field. You may want to consider reaching out to a Lancaster mental health support group, such as Anxiety Support Group or Emotions Anonymous.

Talking to someone about your personal struggles can be beneficial, especially if they are going through something similar.

Sexual harassment is any unwanted behavior in the workplace that is sexual in nature and makes somebody uncomfortable or afraid for their safety. This behavior can include sexual jokes, sexual advances, sexual comments, insults, requests for sexual favors, and stalking, among other behaviors.

In some workplaces, sexual harassment may be such a common part of the culture that it can be hard to notice it as a separate, inappropriate incident. Report it if you are suspicious.

How To File a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim

If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in some way and you wish to move forward with legal action against your harasser and possibly your employer as well, it is vital that you know the process of filing a workplace sexual harassment claim. It may not be as straightforward as you expect, and you will want to account for every aspect before filing. An experienced sexual harassment lawyer can help ensure you don’t miss anything. Here are some stages in the process:

• File a Report: To begin, you will want to file a sexual harassment intake form with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). In your report, you will need to include the exact details of your incident, the name and contact information of your harasser, evidence that supports your claim, and the names and contact information of any witnesses. Submit your report through the California Civil Rights System (CCRS).
• Investigation: If the CRD determines it has the information it needs to move forward, they will prepare a complaint form that requires your signature. When you sign the form, it will be sent to your harasser. This complaint form does not mean the CRD is accepting your case. It just means they have determined your case is covered under laws that they enforce. Their independent investigation will possibly lead to the acceptance of your case.

FAQs

Q: How Can I Take Legal Action for Workplace Sexual Harassment in California?

A: If you want to take legal action for workplace sexual harassment in California, you will need to file a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. If they do not provide you with the resolution you were hoping for, you can request a Right to Sue notice and file a legal claim on your own within a year. To support your case, you must gather evidence and witness statements that back up your experience.

Q: How Much Is a Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim Worth?

A: There is no telling how much a workplace sexual harassment claim may be worth. Payouts vary depending on the contributing factors unique to each case. Since every workplace harassment case is different, each settlement amount will be different, too. The factors that will influence the settlement amount include the nature of the harassment, the size of the company you work for, and how much evidence you have to support your case.

Q: What Happens When You File a Sexual Harassment Report at Work?

A: When you file a sexual harassment report at work, the next step will generally be an internal investigation headed up by your human resources (HR) department. HR may designate an individual to lead this investigation and uncover the truth behind your accusations. This may involve interviewing everyone in the workplace involved in the incident, reviewing any evidence you have, and reaching a conclusion. Disciplinary action will depend on your company’s policy.

Q: Can I Take Legal Action for a Toxic Work Environment Caused by Sexual Harassment in California?

A: Yes, you can take legal action for a toxic work environment caused by sexual harassment in California, but only if you can prove that the harassment is affecting your ability to work and your overall job performance. Your employer must know what has happened and must have failed to take any action to correct it.

Reach Out to a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today

It can be difficult to move forward with a sexual harassment claim. You may feel like you are sabotaging your own career. Your actions and your claim are protected by the state’s comprehensive employment laws. A good lawyer can help you build your case and move forward accordingly.

The legal team at Kramer Brown Hui LLP understands the kind of help you will need in a case like this. Contact us to speak with a team member about what we can do for you.

See Related Posts:

• How to Prove Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
• Know Your Rights: Sexual Orientation Discrimination