No one should feel unsafe or humiliated at work. If someone is making sexual comments, touching you without permission, or using job benefits to pressure you, you have rights. A Laguna Hills employment lawyer can help you understand your options. At Elite Employment Law, we stand up for workers in Orange County who have faced harassment and other unfair treatment.
Why Choose Us at Elite Employment Law
Speaking out against an employer can feel intimidating. Our legal team helps employees take the next step with confidence.
- We represent employees only: Our firm does not represent employers in workplace disputes.
- Other lawyers trust our work: Attorneys, including opposing counsel, have referred friends and family to the firm.
- We are employment law leaders: Founder Samuel P. Nielson previously served as Chair of the Orange County Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Section.
We will listen to your story and explain your legal options in clear terms. Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and ready to move forward.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in Laguna Hills
Workplace sexual harassment often falls into two main groups. Quid pro quo harassment happens when a supervisor connects a job decision to unwanted sexual conduct. A manager may offer a raise, better hours, or a promotion in return for a date or sexual favor. They may also threaten to fire or punish a worker who refuses. A hostile work environment happens when sexual conduct is severe or happens often enough to make the workplace abusive or offensive. Examples include:
- Unwanted touching, hugging, kissing, or blocking someone’s path
- Sexual jokes or comments about a person’s body or clothing
- Graphic pictures, videos, posters, emails, or text messages
- Questions about a worker’s dating or sex life
- Repeated requests for dates after the worker declines
- Retaliation after someone rejects advances or reports harassment
Harassment can come from a manager, coworker, customer, client, or another person connected to the workplace. It does not have to involve physical contact.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Sexual Harassment Claim?
The damages available depend on how the harassment harmed you. You may be able to seek compensation for lost wages, lost job benefits, future income, counseling costs, and emotional distress. A claim may also seek reinstatement, a promotion, or changes to workplace policies.
In rare cases when the conduct was especially harmful, exemplary damages may be available. A successful claim may also recover attorney fees and court costs. Our attorney can review how the harassment affected your work, health, and finances to determine which damages may apply. Keeping pay records, medical bills, messages, and other evidence can help support your claim.
How Long Do I Have To File a Sexual Harassment Claim in California?
In most cases, you must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the last act of harassment or retaliation. After the CRD issues a right-to-sue notice, you may have up to one year from that date to file a lawsuit. The deadlines can vary, so it is wise to speak with our Laguna Hills sexual harassment lawyer early.
Call Our Laguna Hills Sexual Harassment Lawyers Today
You deserve to feel safe and respected at work. Contact our team at Elite Employment Law to schedule a free, confidential consultation with our Laguna Hills sexual harassment lawyer.