Stockton Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Navigating Sexual Harassment Laws in Stockton, CA

Dealing with sexual harassment is challenging, but understanding the specific legal environment in Stockton, CA, can offer clarity. In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) extends significant protections, mirroring and often exceeding federal standards. These state-specific statutes are crucial when navigating your case, and our team at Polaris Law Group is adept at leveraging them to protect your rights.

Moreover, Stockton falls under the jurisdiction of the San Joaquin County Superior Court, which means local rules and procedures can impact your case. Understanding these nuances is vital for a successful resolution, which is where our experience with local courts becomes invaluable.

Call Polaris Law Group at (888) 796-4010 or contact us online to schedule your confidential case evaluation with our experienced Stockton sexual harassment lawyers.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and labor organizations, as well as to the federal government.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to the following:

• The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.
• The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, an agent of the employer, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a non-employee.
• The victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
• Unlawful sexual harassment may occur without economic injury to or discharge of the victim.
• The harasser's conduct must be unwelcome.

It is worth noting that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee. The EEOC also enforces laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a person on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

Additionally, it is illegal to discriminate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

How to Report Sexual Harassment in Stockton

It is important to report sexual harassment as soon as possible. You should report it to your supervisor or employer and follow the procedures set forth in your company's employee handbook or policy manual. If your employer does not have such a policy in place, you should still report the sexual harassment to your employer, in writing, and keep a copy for your records.

If your employer does not resolve the matter to your satisfaction, or if your employer retaliates against you for reporting the sexual harassment, you have a right to file a lawsuit. Our sexual harassment lawyers in Stockton can help you through the process.

Sexual Harassment Training Requirements

California law requires employers to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees. Specifically, employers with five or more employees must provide sexual harassment training to all supervisors and managers once every two years. The training must be at least two hours for supervisors and managers and at least one hour for non-supervisory employees. 

The training must cover certain topics set forth in the law. Employers who fail to comply with the training requirements may be subject to liability if an employee is sexually harassed. The employee may be able to seek damages for the employer's failure to comply with the training requirements. The employer may also be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000. 

Let Us Help You Understand Your Rights

If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. These may include lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. If you are still employed, you may also be entitled to an order requiring your employer to take reasonable steps to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.

These may include an order requiring your employer to take disciplinary action against the harasser, provide training to all employees, and/or adopt and implement a sexual harassment policy.

Our Stockton sexual harassment attorneys can help you understand your rights and options. We can also help you file a complaint and represent you in any resulting proceedings. If you are entitled to compensation for your losses, we can help you pursue it. We understand the impact that sexual harassment can have on your life and are committed to helping you seek justice.

Call Polaris Law Group Today

Sexual harassment is never okay. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, our sexual harassment attorneys in Stockton are here to help. We have extensive experience handling sexual harassment claims and know what it takes to win. We can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the process of seeking justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I Experience Sexual Harassment at Work?

Your immediate response can significantly impact your case. Start by documenting every incident in detail, including dates, times, locations, and involved parties. Report the harassment to your HR department or supervisor. Ensure you follow up any verbal report with an email to create an official record. If your employer has a formal complaint procedure, follow it strictly. Should your complaint go unresolved, consult with Polaris Law Group to explore your legal options further. Our Stockton sexual harassment lawyers can assist in determining whether legal action is appropriate and guide you through the necessary procedures.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect from a Sexual Harassment Case?

Compensation varies based on case specifics, but generally includes coverage for lost wages, emotional distress, and legal costs. In some cases, employers may be ordered to implement or revise workplace policies to address harassment issues, benefitting both you and other employees in the long term. The comprehensive legal strategies at Polaris Law Group are designed to maximize potential compensation and bring about meaningful changes in workplace culture.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Sexual Harassment Case?

The duration of a sexual harassment case can vary greatly, typically ranging from several months to a few years. Factors influencing this include the complexity of the case, the willingness of both parties to negotiate, and court schedules. At Polaris Law Group, we strive for efficiency without compromising thoroughness. Our experience in the Stockton area means we understand how to navigate local court systems to expedite proceedings wherever possible. We aim to reach a fair and timely resolution while keeping you informed throughout the process.

Do I Need to Quit My Job to File a Sexual Harassment Claim?

No, you do not need to quit your job to file a claim. In fact, quitting could complicate matters. The law protects you from retaliation if you file a sexual harassment complaint while employed. Our team will advise you on maintaining professional conduct during your case and managing your current work situation while navigating the legal aspects of your claim. This guidance ensures you keep your professional and personal options as open as possible during a challenging time.

Protecting Victims from Retaliation

Retaliation is a common concern for those contemplating a report of sexual harassment. Under both federal and California law, retaliation against an employee for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation is illegal. If you face demotion, termination, or hostile treatment after making a complaint, there are additional legal avenues to explore.

At Polaris Law Group, we take retaliation seriously and will act swiftly to address any such behavior. Our comprehensive approach includes pursuing not only your harassment claim but also seeking justice if retaliation occurs. By ensuring your workplace knows these rights are vigorously protected, we help you focus on recovery and resolution.

Consult with Stockton's Sexual Harassment Legal Professionals

Experiencing sexual harassment is distressing, but you don't have to face it alone. The team at Polaris Law Group provides compassionate yet assertive legal representation tailored to your unique situation. With our in-depth understanding of Stockton's legal landscape and strong advocacy skills, we guide you every step of the way.

Contact Polaris Law Group today to discuss your case confidentially. We offer a supportive environment where your rights and well-being are prioritized. Together, we can build a case that seeks both justice and a safer workplace for all.

Call Polaris Law Group at (888) 796-4010 or contact us online to schedule your confidential case evaluation with our experienced Stockton sexual harassment lawyers.