Sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited in California both at the federal level under Title VII and at the state level under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Under both these laws, sexual harassment at the workplace is treated as a form of employment discrimination.
At Levine & Blit, our seasoned team of California sexual harassment lawyers has an outstanding track record of protecting the rights of our clients and winning large settlements and verdicts against major corporations and insurance companies. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in California, we will leave no stone unturned to get you justice and fight aggressively to help you obtain your rightful compensation.
Types of Sexual Harassment
In California, sexual harassment is recognized in the following two categories:
- Quid Pro Quo: This type of sexual harassment occurs when the employer asks for your submission to some kind of sexual conduct as a condition to hiring you for a position, promotion or continuance of employment, or other benefits. Quid pro quo sexual harassment may not only be presented as an offer but as a threat. Be prepared to consult with one of our dedicated California sexual harassment lawyers for legal advice at the first opportunity.
- Hostile Work Environment: This type of sexual harassment occurs when the offending behavior is so severe or widespread that it changes your employment conditions, causes obstruction to your work, or produces a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. Even if the behavior did not specifically target you, you could still be a victim of hostile work environment sexual harassment.
Liability for a Sexual Harassment Claim in California
In California, the employer has a “strict liability” if you suffered sexual harassment directly from the employer or a supervisor. In other words, if a supervisor sexually harassed you at the workplace, our California sexual harassment lawyers can represent you and establish a case to hold the employer responsible for your damages.
If another employee committed an act of sexual harassment against you, they can be held personally liable under California law for your damages. It does not matter in this case whether the employer was aware or should have been aware of the incident.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in California
In California, you are not permitted to directly file a sexual harassment lawsuit under FEHA as your first course of action. The first step must be to file an administrative complaint with the Department of Fair Employment & Housing (DFEH) and request notice for the “right to sue.”
If the DFEH fails to pursue civil action on your complaint within 150 days, they will notify you. This is when you can obtain the “right-to-sue” notice from the Department. Thereafter, a sexual harassment lawsuit can be filed in court. Our accomplished and committed team of California sexual harassment lawyers will help and guide you every step of the way throughout this legal process.
How Much is My California Sexual Harassment Claim Worth?
At Levine & Blit, our California sexual harassment lawyers will work hard to help you secure a compensatory award that maximizes these damages:
- Lost past wages and future income
- Medical costs, if any, including psychological treatment
- Pain and suffering experienced from assault or injury
- Mental trauma or anguish
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Get an Experienced California Sexual Harassment Lawyer on Your Side
The sexual harassment lawyers at Levine & Blit have the skills, experience, and resources necessary to vigorously pursue your case for maximum damages against the perpetrators at your workplace. We are prepared to provide you with the most robust level of legal support and be the powerful advocate you need to fight your case successfully. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us at (212) 967-3000 or contact us online.