Mission Viejo Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Mission Viejo Sexual Harassment Attorney

Experiencing any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable, which is why California has strict laws in place to handle this type of discrimination. Even so, sexual harassment is an issue that exists in education, professional, and social situations, and it can leave victims with trauma and other issues that they may deal with for the rest of their lives. A Mission Viejo sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your options if you’re dealing with sexual harassment.

Our team at the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams has been representing clients in sexual harassment cases for years, so we have experience handling all types of situations for people who are experiencing a violation of their rights in what is supposed to be a safe place.

Sexual Harassment in Mission Viejo

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. This includes gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual preferences. Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, and its impacts can be felt by others besides the direct victim.

For this reason, California employers are required to provide sexual harassment training if they have five or more employees. Additionally, employers can be held liable for sexual harassment in the workplace even if they are not the perpetrator themselves. These mandatory training sessions help employees understand what behavior crosses the line under California’s sexual harassment laws. All employers have a duty to take reasonable measures to provide a safe workspace and stop situations of harassment.

It can be difficult to measure the prevalence of sexual harassment in professional or educational settings, particularly because many incidents go unreported. It’s reported that over 85 percent of people who experience sexual harassment never file a charge, and 70 percent of employees don’t file an internal complaint either.

Moreover, reports from the last few years at California State University show that their sexual harassment data is unreliable. Two separate reports came up with vastly different answers when it came to determining how many employees had been accused of some kind of improper sexual conduct due to the differences in how they catalog incidents. This leads to confusing data.

Cal State is working to implement new recommendations to improve its system, but this is a wider issue that can impact how sexual harassment is handled and recorded at any institution. At the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams, we aim to help our clients validate their experience to ensure it is handled properly.

Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in Mission Viejo

If you’re experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, your first step is to document everything and report the incident to your place of work. Be sure to review your company’s sexual harassment policy and follow the proper steps.

If you’re unhappy with how your company handles the situation, your next course of action is to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). You have three years from the date of the last incident to file a complaint with the CRD. The EEOC and CRD also cross-report to one another, so you don’t have to file with both. The EEOC complaint process involves specific deadlines and paperwork that many find confusing at first.

The CRD or EEOC investigates claims and offers solutions for both parties if they discover the defendant is, in fact, in the wrong. It’s important to note that to file an official claim in court for sexual harassment, you typically must file with the CRD or EEOC first. They essentially give you the right to file a case after conducting their own investigations.

FAQs About Mission Viejo,CA Sexual Harassment Law

How Much Does a Mission Viejo Sexual Harassment Lawyer Cost?

It’s challenging to estimate how much it may cost to work with a Mission Viejo sexual harassment lawyer because the total cost ends up being dependent on the details of your case. The experience level of the lawyer can impact cost as well, but it’s also important not to choose the cheapest option you find. Typically, you can expect a sexual harassment lawyer to charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer for their services.

How Much Can I Recover From a Sexual Harassment Claim in Mission Viejo?

The amount you recover from a sexual harassment claim in Mission Viejo ultimately depends on the severity of your case and the nature of the harassment. Typically, you can expect to recover compensation for any economic losses like lost wages and benefits. You also may be able to recover damages for emotional distress, lawyer fees, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and more, depending on the details of your case.

How Do I Prove Sexual Harassment in Mission Viejo?

Proving sexual harassment in Mission Viejo ultimately comes down to the strength of evidence you can provide for your case. As the plaintiff, you must prove your claim through a preponderance of evidence, which essentially means you must prove that it’s more likely that the harassment happened than that it didn’t. Many victims worry they don’t have enough proof, but California courts understand harassment often happens without witnesses. A Mission Viejo sexual harassment lawyer can help you gather key pieces of evidence and bolster your claim with the right information.

How Much Does It Cost to Work With a Mission Viejo Sexual Harassment Lawyer?

Working with a Mission Viejo sexual harassment lawyer can cost you more upfront, but it’s likely to save you money in the long run. The total cost of working with an attorney can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s experience level. You can get a reliable estimate after sharing more information about your claim with a Mission Viejo sexual harassment lawyer at the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams.

Mission Viejo Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If you’re considering filing a sexual harassment claim in California, it’s important to understand your rights and how to protect them. That’s where our team at the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams can help.

We provide comprehensive legal counsel and can handle any number of responsibilities throughout the legal process, including drafting important paperwork, entering negotiations, filing appeals, representing you in court, and more. If you’re ready to learn more, contact us to set up an appointment with a Mission Viejo sexual harassment lawyer today.