Experienced Sexual Harassment Attorneys Serving El Dorado County and Surrounding Areas
Sexual harassment remains a serious issue in workplaces across El Dorado County, from Placerville to South Lake Tahoe. Victims often suffer emotionally, psychologically, and professionally, facing challenges like anxiety, poor job performance, or dreading returning to work. At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, our sexual harassment lawyers are here to provide compassionate, expert legal support to those who have endured these wrongs.
Our firm is dedicated to holding harassers accountable and ensuring victims get the justice they deserve. We know how difficult it can be to speak out, especially in close-knit communities like El Dorado Hills or Cameron Park. That’s why we offer a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your experience. With over 60 years of combined experience, our attorneys have recovered more than $300 million for clients, earning a strong reputation across California. If you’ve been a victim of workplace harassment, contact our El Dorado County sexual harassment lawyer today for a free, confidential consultation.
Why Choose Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP?
- Highly Respected: Judges, mediators, and legal experts hold our firm in high regard. A former judge and mediator said, “John D. Winer is among the most effective attorneys I’ve observed. His tenacity and advocacy skills are unmatched.”
- Award-Winning: We’ve been finalists for Consumer Attorney of California Attorney of the Year and San Francisco Trial Attorney of the Year. We hold a 10/10 AVVO rating and carry a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating. Super Lawyers has recognized our firm as a top-rated employment litigation firm in Oakland, CA, and have honored them on their top lists, including Top Northern California Lawyers.
- Client-Centered: Our clients consistently praise our compassionate approach. One client shared, “The support from this firm changed my life,” while another said, “From day one, I knew I was in great hands with Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP.”
Our proven track record and client-focused approach make us the top choice for sexual harassment cases in El Dorado County and nearby areas like Shingle Springs and Pollock Pines.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It also includes offensive remarks about a person’s gender, whether the victim and harasser are the same or different sexes. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing lists specific behaviors that qualify as sexual harassment, such as:
- Trading job benefits, like promotions or raises, for sexual favors.
- Threatening job consequences if sexual advances are rejected.
- Physical actions like unwanted touching, assault, or blocking someone’s movement.
- Verbal abuse, including derogatory comments or sexual innuendos.
- Visual harassment, such as displaying suggestive images, posters, or making sexual gestures.
One common type of harassment is “quid pro quo” (Latin for “this for that”), where a supervisor or coworker demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits. For example, a manager might offer a promotion in return for a sexual encounter. Even if the victim refuses, the attempt itself is illegal. California law holds employers strictly liable for harassment by supervisors, meaning they are responsible regardless of whether they knew about the behavior. Victims can recover compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, attorney fees, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the employer failed to act.
Hostile Work Environment and Legal Accountability
A hostile work environment occurs when inappropriate conduct—like explicit jokes, suggestive gestures, or unwanted touching—creates an intimidating or offensive workplace. Even employees who aren’t directly targeted but are exposed to such behavior can file a valid claim. Under California law, employers are liable for harassment by supervisors, and for coworker harassment if they knew about it and did nothing. Federal law allows employers to avoid liability if they took reasonable steps to prevent and address harassment, but California’s stricter laws offer stronger protections for victims in El Dorado County.
To pursue a claim, you can file with the EEOC or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. These agencies investigate and may issue a “right to sue” letter, allowing you to take legal action. Our El Dorado County sexual harassment lawyers will guide you through this process, ensuring you meet deadlines set by the statute of limitations to protect your right to compensation.
Employer Obligations to Prevent Sexual Harassment
California law requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide sexual harassment prevention training to supervisors within six months of hiring. This training covers:
- Definitions of sexual harassment under state and federal law.
- Examples of prohibited conduct.
- How employees and supervisors can report harassment.
- Remedies available through company policies or government agencies.
- Supervisors’ duty to report harassment and how to respond if accused.
Training must be conducted by qualified professionals, such as attorneys with at least two years of employment law experience, human resource professionals with relevant expertise, or educators with specific credentials. These measures aim to create safer workplaces in El Dorado County, from Placerville to South Lake Tahoe. However, harassment can still occur, and our attorneys can help victims hold negligent employers accountable or assist employers in strengthening their prevention programs.
Frequently Asked Sexual Harassment Questions in El Dorado County
What qualifies as sexual harassment in the workplace?
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, or offensive gender-based comments. It can also involve physical actions like unwanted touching or visual harassment like displaying suggestive images. Both California and federal laws recognize quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environments as actionable.
How do I know if I have a valid sexual harassment claim?
If you experienced or witnessed conduct that created a hostile work environment or involved quid pro quo demands, you may have a valid claim. Consulting an El Dorado County sexual harassment lawyer can help assess your case. Evidence like emails, texts, or witness statements can strengthen your claim.
What should I do if I’m being harassed at work?
Document all incidents with details like dates, times, and descriptions, and save any related communications like texts or emails. Contact a qualified sexual harassment attorney promptly to protect your rights within the statute of limitations. Taking swift action helps build a strong case.
Can I be retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment?
No, California and federal laws protect employees and witnesses from retaliation, such as demotion or firing, for reporting harassment. If retaliation occurs, you may have grounds for additional legal claims. Our sexual harassment attorneys can help you address retaliation and seek justice.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim?
In California, you typically have three years from the incident to file with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, but federal EEOC claims have shorter deadlines. Consulting an El Dorado County sexual harassment attorney quickly ensures you meet these time limits. Delays can risk your ability to seek compensation.
Protecting Your Rights in El Dorado County
If you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment, taking action is critical. Ignoring the problem may allow it to worsen, causing further harm. Our El Dorado County sexual harassment attorneys recommend:
- Contact an attorney immediately to understand your legal options.
- Keeping a record of all incidents, including emails, texts, or voicemails, as evidence.
- Filing a complaint with the EEOC or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing promptly.
Due to the statute of limitations, acting quickly is essential to preserve your right to compensation. Our firm offers free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case and provide tailored guidance.
Contact Our El Dorado County Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, we are committed to empowering victims of sexual harassment in El Dorado County and nearby areas like El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park. With over $300 million recovered for clients, our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of success. We do not represent perpetrators or those accused of harassment—our focus is solely on advocating for victims. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today by calling (866) 963-2135 or clicking below. If you are wronged, our El Dorado County sexual harassment lawyers will make it right.