Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyers Serving Merced County and Surrounding Areas
At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, our dedicated Merced County sexual harassment lawyers provide compassionate, non-judgmental support to victims in communities like Gustine, Dos Palos, and Planada. With decades of experience and over $300 million recovered for clients, we handle cases from verbal harassment to physical misconduct, fighting for justice in rural areas like Delhi and Hilmar and larger workplaces in Merced and Chowchilla.
Harassment can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or role, and close-knit work environments may heighten fears of retaliation. Our team is committed to holding offenders accountable and helping you navigate the harm you’ve endured. Contact our Merced County sexual harassment lawyer today to seek justice and begin healing.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment can be defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general.
Both victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex. Although the law doesn’t prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).
In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides even broader protections than federal law, covering employers with as few as one employee in some cases. Our Merced County sexual harassment lawyers are well-versed in both state and federal regulations, ensuring comprehensive representation for our clients.
Sexual harassment can manifest in various forms, often leaving victims feeling isolated and powerless. In Merced County, where community ties are strong in towns like Livingston and Gustine, victims might hesitate to report incidents for fear of retaliation or social repercussions. However, it’s crucial to recognize that you have legal rights, and our firm is committed to helping you exercise them, whether you’re in Planada, Hilmar or beyond.
Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment generally falls into two main categories: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.
Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This occurs when a supervisor or someone in a position of authority demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits, such as promotions, raises, or continued employment. It can also involve threats of negative consequences, like demotion or termination, if the demands are refused. In Merced County’s agricultural sector, where seasonal work is common, this type of harassment can be particularly devastating, as victims may fear losing their livelihood.
Hostile Work Environment Harassment: This is created by unwelcome conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive working environment. Examples include sexual jokes, lewd comments, displaying pornographic materials, unwanted touching, or repeated requests for dates. Even if the conduct isn’t directed at you specifically, if it affects your ability to perform your job, it may constitute harassment.
Other forms include visual harassment (e.g., explicit images), verbal harassment (e.g., sexual innuendos), and physical harassment (e.g., inappropriate touching). In educational settings in Merced County, such as at local colleges or schools, students and staff alike can experience these issues, and our Merced County sexual harassment attorneys handle cases beyond just workplaces.
Our attorneys have seen how these types interplay in real cases. For instance, a subtle comment might escalate into a pattern of behavior that poisons the entire workplace atmosphere. We encourage victims to document everything, as this evidence is crucial in building a strong case.
California Laws Protecting Against Sexual Harassment
California has some of the strongest protections against sexual harassment in the nation. The FEHA prohibits harassment based on sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and more. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent and correct harassing behavior in workplaces across places like Merced, Atwater, and Livingston.
Key aspects include:
- Mandatory Training: Employers with five or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training every two years.
- Retaliation Protection: It’s illegal to retaliate against someone for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation.
- Statute of Limitations: Victims have up to three years to file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), extended from the previous one-year limit.
Federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act also apply, covering employers with 15 or more employees. Our sexual harassment attorneys navigate these overlapping jurisdictions to maximize your recovery in communities like Planada and Hilmar.
In Merced County, local ordinances may add layers of protection, especially in public sector jobs. We stay updated on all relevant laws to provide the best advice.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Sexual Harassment
Recognizing sexual harassment isn’t always straightforward. Common signs include:
- Unwanted sexual comments or jokes.
- Requests for sexual favors.
- Inappropriate touching or gestures.
- Displaying sexual images or sending explicit messages.
- Comments about your appearance or body.
- Differential treatment based on gender.
If these behaviors make you uncomfortable or interfere with your work in a Los Banos restaurant or a Merced retail store, it may be harassment. In Merced County’s diverse workforce, including agricultural workers in Atwater and educators in Livingston, cultural differences can sometimes blur lines, but the law is clear: consent and comfort matter.
Psychological impacts can include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Our sexual harassment lawyers not only seek financial compensation but also connect clients with resources for emotional support.
What To Do If You’ve Been Sexually Harassed
- Document Everything: Keep records of incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and details.
- Report Internally: Follow your employer’s harassment policy if safe to do so.
- File a Complaint: Contact the EEOC or DFEH.
- Seek Legal Help: Consult a Merced County sexual harassment lawyer immediately.
Don’t wait—evidence can fade, and deadlines apply. Our firm offers free consultations to assess your case.
Why Choose Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP as Your Merced County Sexual Harassment Attorney?
With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys have recovered millions for harassment victims across Merced County, from Livingston to Chowchilla. We handle cases on a contingency basis—no fees unless we win.
Our approach:
- Personalized Attention: Each client gets dedicated support, whether in Merced or Planada.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We fight for maximum compensation, including lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
- Proven Results: Settlements in the six and seven figures for similar cases.
In Merced County and surrounding areas, we understand local courts and juries, giving us an edge.
Case Results and Settlements
- $3,850,000: Female Plaintiff in Her Mid 20’s Sues Medical Supply Company for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
- $2,490,000: Three Women Sexually Harassed by Supervisors at Large Rental Company
- $1,950,000: Female Plaintiff Sexually Harassed by Plant Manager of a Large Manufacturing Company
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Harassment in Merced County
Do I need to work for a large company to file a sexual harassment claim?
No. California law applies to workplaces with five or more employees. Even small businesses and certain contractors can be held accountable for harassment.
Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment?
Retaliation is illegal. If your employer terminates, demotes, or disciplines you for reporting harassment, you may have a valid retaliation claim in addition to your harassment case.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment complaint in California?
Generally, you must file a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the last incident of harassment. Once you receive a Right-to-Sue notice, you have one year to file a lawsuit in court.
What damages can I recover in a sexual harassment lawsuit?
Potential compensation includes lost wages, emotional distress damages, attorney’s fees, and, in some cases, punitive damages meant to punish egregious misconduct.
Do I need evidence beyond my own testimony?
While additional evidence such as emails or witness statements can strengthen your case, your testimony alone can be enough if it is credible and detailed.
Can sexual harassment occur outside the office or regular work hours?
Yes. Harassment at work-related events, social gatherings, or through digital communications like texts and emails can still qualify if it affects your work environment.
Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?
Many sexual harassment cases settle through negotiations or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial.
Contact Our Merced County Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in Merced County or beyond, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP for a free, confidential consultation.
Our Merced County sexual harassment lawyers are ready to fight for you. We are committed to providing compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to help you seek justice and reclaim your peace of mind. Let us stand by your side to hold wrongdoers accountable, no matter where you are in Merced County.