Temecula Sexual Harassment Attorney

When you dedicate so much of your life to your career, the least you deserve is a safe place to work. Unfortunately, countless Temecula employees experience sexual harassment in the workplace every year. If you or a coworker have been subject to sexual harassment at work in Temecula, it’s vital that you hold your employer accountable. A Temecula sexual harassment attorney can evaluate your case, help you file a claim, and advocate for your rights today.

While you’re not obligated to work with a defense lawyer, it can be highly beneficial to your case. At California Employment Counsel, APC, our team of dedicated attorneys has spent years protecting the rights and careers of California employees. We understand how daunting it can be to file a sexual harassment claim and are prepared to stand as your legal advocate through every step of the process. Don’t wait to fight for yourself and your right to a safe workplace.

Riverside County is home to flourishing cities and industries, helping to employ thousands of residents across the state. Currently, retail and healthcare are the two leading industries in Riverside County, with 123,000 employees and 116,000 employees, respectively.

Whether they have one employee or thousands, California employers are required by law to put forth a reasonable effort to prevent sexual harassment, and they can be held liable for any acts of sexual harassment that occur in the workplace. In fact, California requires all employers with five or more employees to establish some form of a sexual harassment policy to ensure situations can be handled properly if they arise.

This also means that employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment and addressing any claims of sexual harassment. Workers can seek compensation from their employer if sexual harassment in the workplace occurs, even if the employer themselves isn’t the perpetrator.

If you’re experiencing sexual harassment in your Temecula workplace, you should file a claim with your employer immediately. Your employer is likely required to have a policy in place and should begin addressing your claim immediately. However, it’s wise to explore other legal avenues to ensure you understand all of your options and potential avenues for recovering damages.

In addition to filing with your company, you can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) at the state level or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) at the federal level. These agencies cross-file with each other, so you don’t have to file with both. It’s important to note that you must file a complaint with the CRD within three years of the last incident.

When you file with the CRD, it’s important to have the following information:

• Copies of all documents and evidence related to your claim
• Names and information about all involved parties
• Specific facts and records about all incidents that occurred
• Witness information (if possible)

If your claim is accepted, the party you are filing against must then respond. The CRD or EEOC then reviews the response with you to determine if further action is needed. If they find the response unsatisfactory, they may attempt to resolve the issue through conciliation, or they may refer the case to their legal division for dispute resolution.

You must file with the CRD if you intend to seek further legal action for a sexual harassment case in court. The CRD typically requires that you go to mediation to attempt to reach a settlement agreement out of court before going to trial.

In the fiscal year 2024, the EEOC secured nearly $700 million for over 21,000 employees who filed employment discrimination claims across the country. Around the same time, the CRD secured $116.5 million in relief for claimants filing for some form of discrimination, harassment, or hate violence.

At California Employment Counsel, APC, our goal is to support as many employees filing these types of cases as possible so they can be a part of the many victims receiving the compensation they deserve.

When you file a claim for sexual harassment, the goal is to receive compensation to make up for the experiences you had to endure. There are several different types of damages you can recover for sexual harassment in California, including:

• Legal fees from the case
• Lost wages and benefits
• Medical expenses

In some cases, informing your employer about an instance of sexual harassment may actually be the start of a bigger battle. In California and throughout the rest of the country, you have the right to perform certain protected acts as an employee. This includes reporting unlawful or unwanted situations in the workplace.

If you feel that your employer is acting differently toward you because you filed a sexual harassment claim, you may be entitled to seek further legal recourse against them. This behavior is known as employer retaliation, and it is illegal. Common forms of employer retaliation include:

• Exclusion from team meetings
• Negative performance reviews
• Salary reduction
• Unexplained demotions
• Unfavorable work assignments
• Wrongful termination

In these situations, a skilled Temecula employment law attorney can be an invaluable resource to your case. In addition to conducting their own investigations, they can use their access to resources and experience to fight for your rights and advocate for you in court. An employment attorney has the knowledge needed to build a claim that helps point out the illegal behaviors your employer has demonstrated.

Filing a sexual harassment claim in Temecula can be an overwhelming task to perform on your own. Luckily, there are compassionate lawyers who are willing to guide you through the process and support you with each legal battle you take on.

At California Employment Counsel, APC, our attorneys are devoted to advocating for California employees and their rights to safe workplaces. We have helped countless employees secure compensation and hold their California employers accountable, and we are prepared to do the same for you. Contact us today to set up an appointment and start developing a legal strategy.