Fighting for the Rights of Sexual Harassment Victims in Placer County, California
Sexual Harassment in California: What Is It?
Sexual harassment, as defined by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD, formerly DFEH), includes any unwanted sexual behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Even seemingly minor incidents can form a valid claim if they are severe or pervasive enough to alter employment conditions. In Placer County, where industries like healthcare, retail, and tourism thrive in areas like Roseville and Rocklin, these issues are unfortunately common.
Examples of Sexual Harassment Include:
- Visual Conduct: Leering, displaying explicit images, or sharing inappropriate content.
- Verbal Harassment: Sexual jokes, propositions, or derogatory comments.
- Physical Actions: Unwanted touching, blocking movement, or assault.
Determining whether an incident qualifies as harassment depends on the context and impact on the victim. Our Placer County sexual harassment lawyers can review your situation, offering compassionate guidance to navigate the legal complexities and determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace typically falls into two categories, each with distinct characteristics and legal implications:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment:
- Occurs when a supervisor or person in authority demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits, such as promotions, raises, or continued employment.
- Employers are strictly liable, meaning victims can seek damages for economic losses, emotional suffering, and sometimes punitive awards to deter future misconduct.
- Common in industries across Placer County, such as retail and hospitality in Auburn and Lincoln.
Hostile Work Environment:
- Arises from repeated or severe conduct that makes the workplace intolerable, such as ongoing sexual comments, unwanted physical contact, or displaying pornographic materials.
- California law offers broader protections than federal statutes, holding employers accountable even if unaware of the harassment, provided it was committed by a supervisor.
- Our sexual harassment attorneys have successfully litigated numerous hostile work environment cases, recovering substantial settlements for clients in Placer County courts.
These state-specific advantages often lead to better outcomes for plaintiffs in local communities like Roseville and Colfax, and our firm is experienced in leveraging them for your benefit.
The Procedures for Seeking Remedy for Sexual Harassment
Pursuing a sexual harassment claim in California involves specific steps to ensure your rights are protected:
- File a Complaint: Submit a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days of the incident or with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years, offering more flexibility for Placer County residents.
- Obtain a Right to Sue Letter: Once issued by the EEOC or CRD, this allows you to proceed to court, where evidence like witness statements, emails, or documentation is critical.
- Act Promptly: Quick action preserves evidence and protects against retaliation, which is illegal under both federal and state laws.
Our Placer County sexual harassment attorneys recommend early consultation to ensure compliance with these procedures and to build a strong case. We handle all aspects, from filing to negotiation or trial, allowing you to focus on healing.
Employers Have Legal Obligations to Prevent Sexual Harassment
California law mandates that employers with five or more employees implement sexual harassment prevention training every two years. These requirements are particularly relevant for businesses in Placer County’s education and hospitality sectors.
Key Employer Responsibilities Include:
- Training Requirements:
- Supervisors: At least two hours of interactive training.
- Non-supervisory employees: At least one hour of training.
- Training must cover definitions, examples, complaint processes, and remedies.
- Qualified Trainers: Must be attorneys with employment law experience, human resources professionals, or professors specializing in the field.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply can lead to employer liability, as seen in our firm’s settlements, including $1,500,000 for a harassed employee in a similar Northern California case and $3,850,000 against a company for systemic harassment issues.
These obligations highlight the importance of proactive policies to foster safe workplaces, and our sexual harassment lawyers hold non-compliant employers accountable.
What to Do if You Believe You Were Sexually Harassed in the Workplace
If you feel unsafe due to harassment, immediately contact law enforcement if necessary, and document every incident with dates, times, descriptions, witnesses, and any related communications like emails or texts. Preserve physical evidence, such as offensive notes or images, and report the behavior to your employer’s HR department following their policies. Consulting a Placer County sexual harassment attorney early can help you understand your options and protect against retaliation.
At Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP, we advise clients in surrounding areas like Roseville and Rocklin to assert their rights without fear. By taking these steps, you not only seek justice for yourself but also help prevent future incidents for others. Our team is here to guide you through the process with sensitivity and determination.
Notable Case Results
- $3,850,000 – Female plaintiff in her mid-20s sues medical supply company for harassment and retaliation
- $3,850,000 – Single-plaintiff case against a large insurer
- $2,000,000 – Three women harassed during physical exams by a company doctor
- $1,950,000 – Young female plaintiff harassed by a plant manager at a manufacturing company
These results demonstrate our firm’s track record in securing justice for sexual harassment victims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace under California law?
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates a hostile environment. In Placer County, this can range from explicit comments to unwanted touching, and even a single severe incident may qualify if it significantly alters employment conditions. Our attorneys can evaluate your specific situation to determine if it meets the legal threshold.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in Placer County?
You generally have up to three years to file with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) from the date of the last harassing incident, though federal EEOC claims must be filed within 180-300 days depending on the circumstances. Acting sooner preserves evidence and strengthens your case. We recommend consulting a Placer County sexual harassment lawyer promptly to avoid missing deadlines and to explore all available remedies.
Can I sue my employer if the harasser is a co-worker, not a supervisor?
Yes, employers can be held liable for harassment by co-workers if they knew or should have known about the behavior and failed to take immediate corrective action. In California, this vicarious liability extends broader protections than federal law, making it advantageous to file in state court. Our firm has helped clients in communities like Rocklin and Auburn hold companies accountable, recovering damages for emotional distress and lost income.
What kind of compensation can I receive in a sexual harassment lawsuit?
Victims may recover economic damages like back pay, front pay, and lost benefits, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Punitive damages are possible if the employer’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious. In Placer County cases, we’ve secured settlements including punitive awards to deter future misconduct, ensuring comprehensive justice for our clients.
Is my consultation with a sexual harassment attorney confidential?
Yes, all consultations with Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP are completely confidential, protected by attorney-client privilege from the first contact. This allows you to discuss your experiences openly without fear of retaliation or exposure. We prioritize your privacy, especially for residents in close-knit areas like Lincoln and Colfax, to help you make informed decisions.
What should I bring to my initial meeting with a Placer County sexual harassment attorney?
Bring any documentation related to the incidents, such as emails, texts, performance reviews, HR complaints, or witness contact information. Also, prepare a timeline of events to help us assess your case efficiently. Our team will guide you on additional evidence, ensuring we build a robust claim tailored to your situation.
Contact Our Placer County Sexual Harassment Attorney Today
Don’t suffer in silence. Our dedicated Placer County sexual harassment lawyers at Winer, Burritt, Scott & Jacobs, LLP are ready to fight for you. With offices serving Placer County and surrounding regions like Sacramento and El Dorado Counties, we provide personalized, aggressive representation. Call (866) 963-1909 for a free consultation or complete our online form. Let us help you reclaim your dignity and secure the compensation you deserve.