Health care is an industry in which most people would expect sexual harassment to be fairly limited, but it is actually quite prevalent and recognized as a serious problem among professionals. It causes lost productivity, decreased morale, absenteeism and loss of talented workers. It also causes workers to alter their work styles and change how they treat patients, which could be detrimental to patient outcomes and workers’ quality of life.
However, sexual harassment against health care professionals is not limited to co-workers and supervisors. Doctors, nurses and other professionals may experience harassment from patients. In fact, the majority of female general practitioners and nurses have been harassed by a patient at least once. If any type of sexual harassment is reported to an employer, and effective remediation is not applied, the person who is the target of harassment may have a case for pursuing damage compensation that could amount to thousands or millions of dollars, depending on the severity and frequency of the harassment.
There is a culture of intimidation in the health care industry, and many workers often feel powerless against harassment and discrimination. Some employers dismiss sexual harassment claims and hope the issue will blow over. Some employers are the perpetrators of harassment, and what do you do then?
If you have suffered sexual harassment on the job, you have rights. Call Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, today for a free consultation.
Understanding Sexual Harassment
Have you been sexually harassed? For a better understanding of sexual harassment in the workplace, please take a look at these definitions:
- A hostile workplace created by sexual harassment
- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission‘s (EEOC) definition of sexual harassment
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment
Filing A Sexual Harassment Claim In California
It is important to consider your options for help before filing a formal complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the EEOC.
At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, our attorneys can help you evaluate your claim. We offer free initial consultations, have decades of experience and are top-rated California harassment claims attorneys. Health care professionals deserve protection, and we can help you pursue the most effective path. Our evaluation of your case will also include a discussion of the emotional distress, psychological damages and financial damages that you have suffered as a result of being sexually harassed.
Get A Confidential Case Evaluation
Contact our Oakland or Los Angeles offices at (510) 433-1000. We pursue all cases on a contingency fee basis, and our lawyers only represent plaintiffs.
**We do not represent perpetrators of sexual harassment or those who are accused of sexually harassing behavior.