Sexual Harassment Attorneys Fighting for Justice in San Bernardino County Workplaces
According to recent statistics, San Bernardino County’s sexual violence rate dropped 28% between 2022 and 2023, continuing a downward trend from 2021 when the county documented 39 reported sexual assaults. Statewide, 81% of women and 43% of men in California have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault over their lifetimes, and this prevalence is reflected in San Bernardino’s key industries like logistics, where warehouse workers face power imbalances, and healthcare, where shift work can exacerbate vulnerabilities.
If you’ve faced sexual harassment, you don’t have to suffer in silence. A San Bernardino County sexual harassment lawyer at Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP can help you take action to stop the harassment and seek justice. We understand how overwhelming it feels to come forward, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call us at (866) 680-7184 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation with a compassionate attorney from our team. We serve San Bernardino County, including San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, and all of California.
What Counts as Sexual Harassment in California?
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual or gender-based behavior in the workplace. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD, formerly DFEH) defines it as actions like:
- Visual Harassment: Leering, suggestive gestures, or displaying inappropriate images, such as explicit posters, cartoons, or photos.
- Verbal Harassment: Sexual jokes, offensive comments, slurs, or suggestive remarks, even if not directed at you.
- Physical Harassment: Unwanted touching, blocking someone’s path, or any form of assault.
- Quid Pro Quo Offers: Offering job perks, like promotions or raises, in exchange for sexual favors.
- Retaliation: Punishing someone for rejecting advances, such as giving them worse shifts, demoting them, or firing them.
This isn’t a complete list, but it shows the range of behaviors that qualify. Harassment can happen between people of the same gender or involve gender-based discrimination, like targeting someone for not fitting gender stereotypes. Each case depends on specific details, which a San Bernardino County sexual harassment lawyer can help you evaluate. If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies, we can clarify during a free consultation. In San Bernardino County, local policies, such as those in county government operations, reinforce state laws by prohibiting discrimination and requiring prompt investigations into complaints.
Common Types of Sexual Harassment
California and federal laws recognize two main types of sexual harassment, and our San Bernardino County sexual harassment attorneys are experienced in both:
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This happens when a supervisor or someone with authority pressures an employee for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits, like a promotion, raise, or even keeping their job. The pressure doesn’t need to be explicit. For example, a manager might imply that refusing could lead to being fired or passed over for opportunities. In San Bernardino County workplaces, such as large logistics centers, this power imbalance can make victims feel trapped. California law holds employers strictly liable for quid pro quo harassment by supervisors. This means if a lawyer proves the harassment happened, the employer is responsible for damages, with no excuses. Victims can recover compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, therapy costs, missed promotions, attorney fees, and possibly punitive damages if the employer’s leaders knew about the harassment and did nothing.
- Hostile Work Environment: A hostile work environment occurs when unwelcome sexual or gender-based behavior is so severe or ongoing that it makes the workplace unbearable. Examples include repeated crude jokes, inappropriate touching, sexual comments, or displaying explicit images. Even if the behavior isn’t aimed at you—for instance, coworkers making offensive remarks within earshot—it can still create a hostile environment. Employers are strictly liable for a hostile work environment caused by a supervisor. If a coworker is the harasser, the employer is liable only if a supervisor knew (or should have known) about the behavior and failed to act promptly. A San Bernardino County sexual harassment attorney can help determine who’s responsible and build a strong case, especially in industries like manufacturing where such environments are reported more frequently.
How to File a Sexual Harassment Claim in San Bernardino County
To pursue a sexual harassment claim, you or your sexual harassment attorney must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies will either resolve the case or issue a right-to-sue letter, allowing you to file a lawsuit. When you bravely step forward to file a complaint about sexual harassment in San Bernardino County, you’re safeguarded from workplace retaliation, like being unfairly fired, demoted, or stuck with worse assignments. Your coworkers who stand by you as witnesses are also protected, ensuring you can seek justice without fear.
- CRD: Handles claims under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which offers strong protections for employees in workplaces with one or more employees. The CRD can investigate, mediate, or issue a right-to-sue letter, allowing you to file a lawsuit in state court. In San Bernardino County, this is particularly relevant for small businesses in areas like Rancho Cucamonga.
- EEOC: Oversees claims under federal law, like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which applies to employers with 15 or more employees. The EEOC may investigate or issue a right-to-sue letter for federal court.
You can file with both agencies if your case involves both state and federal claims, and a San Bernardino County sexual harassment lawyer can advise on the best approach.
Important Deadlines:
- EEOC: You have 180 days from the incident to file. If you’re also filing with the CRD, this deadline extends to 300 days because the agencies share information under a work-sharing agreement.
- CRD: You have 3 years from the incident to file.
- Lawsuit Deadlines: After receiving a right-to-sue letter, you have 1 year to file a lawsuit under FEHA (CRD) or 90 days under Title VII (EEOC). These deadlines are strict, so working with a lawyer ensures you don’t miss them.
Hiring a sexual harassment lawyer early ensures you meet these deadlines and prepare a strong case. Complex cases, especially those involving multiple incidents or retaliation, can take time to build. San Bernardino County also follows local procedures, such as those outlined in county probation and fire department policies, which emphasize reporting and investigation protocols.
Employer Obligations to Prevent Harassment
California law requires employers with 5 or more employees (including contractors) to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees every two years. New employees must be trained within six months of starting. The training must cover:
- Definitions of sexual harassment under California and federal law.
- Examples of behaviors that qualify as harassment.
- How employees can report harassment and access remedies.
- Strategies to prevent harassment in the workplace.
- Steps to correct harassing behavior.
- What supervisors should do if accused of harassment.
- How to implement an effective anti-harassment policy.
If you’re dealing with a sexual harassment case in San Bernardino County, know that employers are required to have experts—like experienced employment law attorneys, skilled HR professionals, or qualified educators—conduct training to prevent harassment. This training is crucial to creating a safe workplace. When companies in industries like logistics or healthcare fail to follow through, it can lead to major lawsuits, like the high-profile settlements we’ve seen in San Bernardino, showing just how seriously these responsibilities are taken.
Our Track Record: Notable Case Results and Testimonials
Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs LLP Sexual Harassment Case Results
Our San Bernardino County sexual harassment lawyers have secured significant settlements for clients, including:
- $3,850,000 – Female Plaintiff in Her Mid-20s Sues Medical Supply Company for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
- $3,850,000 – Settlement for a single-plaintiff sexual harassment case against a large insurer
- $2,000,000 – Three Women Who Were Sexually Harassed During Physical Exams by a Company Doctor
Honest Testimonials From Trusted Clients
- “I used to work for a large corporation but was forced to quit due to sexual harassment by my supervisors. I was working and living in Southern California at the time and wanted to find a local lawyer. However, when I asked a specialist, ‘who was the best attorney in the state of California for a case like mine,’ I was told that it would be worth the trip to San Francisco to see if John Winer would handle my case.” – Former Client
- “I had a sexual harassment incident at work and after some time, I decided to get an attorney. I chose Winer, Burritt and Scott because I read testimonials online and thought they were the best fit. I felt very welcomed when I called for the first time and all my communication after was always pleasant.” – Former Client
Our track record demonstrates our commitment to the community for those involved in workplace harassment in Southern California, including San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, and beyond.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Harassed at Work
Experiencing sexual harassment can feel isolating and overwhelming, but you have the power to act. A San Bernardino County sexual harassment attorney can guide you, but here are key steps to take:
- If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or local law enforcement. Your safety comes first.
- Contact a sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and start your claim.
- Document everything: Write down details of each incident, including dates, times, locations, what happened, and who was present. Save emails, texts, voicemails, or photos related to the harassment. Note any reports you made to HR or supervisors.
- Identify witnesses: If coworkers saw or heard the harassment, their statements can strengthen your case.
- Don’t wait: Harassment rarely stops on its own, and deadlines for filing claims are strict.
Taking these steps can help you hold harassers and employers accountable. Our San Bernardino County sexual harassment attorneys are here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Harassment in San Bernardino County
What is a hostile work environment in San Bernardino County?
Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), a hostile work environment happens when unwelcome sexual or gender-based conduct disrupts your ability to work. This could include ongoing inappropriate comments, gestures, or advances. For example, a coworker repeatedly making sexual remarks or a supervisor displaying suggestive images could qualify. Documenting these incidents is key, especially in San Bernardino’s logistics and manufacturing sectors.
Can I sue a coworker for harassment in San Bernardino County?
Yes, you can file a claim against a coworker if their actions create a hostile work environment or involve quid pro quo harassment. Employers are responsible if they fail to address reported misconduct. For instance, if you report a coworker’s harassment to HR and nothing is done, the employer could be liable, as seen in recent county settlements.
How does the CRD process work for harassment claims?
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) investigates workplace harassment complaints in San Bernardino County under FEHA. You must file a complaint within three years of the incident. The CRD may mediate, investigate, or issue a right-to-sue letter, allowing you to file a lawsuit.
What laws protect San Bernardino County employees?
California’s FEHA covers workplaces with one or more employees, offering stronger protections than federal Title VII, which applies to employers with 15 or more employees. San Bernardino County may also have internal policies enhancing workplace safety, such as those in public sector roles. Our sexual harassment lawyers stay updated on all relevant laws to provide top-notch representation. Contact us to learn about your specific protections.
What evidence do I need for a harassment claim?
Strong evidence includes detailed notes about incidents (dates, times, locations, witnesses), emails, texts, voicemails, or photos showing harassment, and any reports you made to HR or management. Witness statements from coworkers can also help. California law requires clear proof of unwelcome conduct, so thorough records are essential.
What if I’m retaliated against for reporting harassment?
California law protects employees from retaliation, such as demotion, firing, or unfavorable job assignments, for reporting harassment. If you face retaliation, our San Bernardino County sexual harassment attorneys can file claims to seek remedies like reinstatement, back pay, or compensation for emotional distress. With over 40 years of experience, we have a proven record of protecting clients from retaliation.
Can I file a claim if the harassment wasn’t directed at me?
Yes, you can file a claim if you witnessed harassment that created a hostile work environment. For example, if coworkers openly share crude jokes or a supervisor makes sexual comments within earshot, it can still affect your workplace.
Contact a San Bernardino County Sexual Harassment Lawyer at Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP Today
Sexual harassment can have lasting effects on your mental health, career, and well-being. Waiting to act risks missing legal deadlines or allowing the harassment to continue. A San Bernardino County sexual harassment lawyer at Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP can help you stop the harassment, seek compensation, and regain control. With over $300 million recovered for clients, we have the experience and dedication to fight for you.
If you’ve faced sexual harassment in San Bernardino County, don’t wait to seek help. Our compassionate and skilled San Bernardino County sexual harassment lawyers understand how difficult it is to come forward. At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, we have the expertise to handle even the most complex harassment cases. We’ll fight to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Reach out to us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation by calling us or using our online contact form.
We only represent victims of sexual harassment, not those accused of harassment.