Newport Beach Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Newport Beach Sexual Harassment Attorney

Sexual harassment charges are serious and can remain with the offender and the victim for a lifetime. Whether you are an employee who has been a victim of sexual harassment or an employer facing sexual harassment charges, you should consider hiring a Newport Beach sexual harassment lawyer. Hiring a lawyer can mean the difference between receiving harsh consequences or living freely.

At Engels-Janzen, we have experience litigating cases on both sides of the courtroom. We handle a range of employment law cases, including sexual harassment. We defend those accused of sexual harassment as well as advocate for victims.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is the unwanted sexual advances, touching, fondling, grouping, or sexual remarks from another person, usually a person with a power advantage. Sexual harassment often involves sexually motivated behaviors, but it can also include remarks about a person’s sex. For example, making consistent, harassing, derogatory comments about women in the workplace may be considered sexual harassment. Other examples of sexual harassment may include:

• Touching a woman’s breast without her permission
• Constantly hitting a male coworker on the buttocks
• Making frequent sexual jokes that make it uncomfortable for employees to do their jobs
• Combing your hands through an employee’s hair

Sexual harassment can also include creating a hostile work environment. One can create a hostile work environment by engaging in intimidating, threatening, or otherwise unwelcome conduct toward employees. Sometimes, this conduct is directed toward one person, and sometimes, it is general misconduct that makes it impossible for others to work.

Sexual Harassment Laws in California

Sexual harassment is a serious offense in California. Whether you are being accused of sexual harassment or are a victim of sexual harassment, knowing the laws is half the battle. The Fair Employment and Housing Act of California prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment is also penalized at the federal level under the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

While you may not need a lawyer to file a sexual harassment complaint, hiring a lawyer is wise if your case goes to court. If sexual harassment causes significant emotional or mental trauma, or if you are fired for reporting sexual harassment, you may be able to file a claim against your employer or the offender. In this case, hiring a lawyer is invaluable for getting the justice you deserve.

If you are falsely accused of sexual harassment, you may also want to consult with a lawyer. Since sexual harassment can be costly and ruin a person’s reputation, it is important that justice is served.

What Should I Do If I am Accused of Sexual Harassment?

If you are accused of sexual harassment, you should hire a lawyer immediately. It is important not to speak to anyone about your case except your lawyer, as anything you say can be used against you. You should also collect all documentation, reports, or correspondence related to your case as evidence. This will help you defend yourself in court.

What Are My Rights as a Sexual Harassment Victim?

If you are a victim of sexual harassment, you have many rights. After filing an initial complaint, you should consult with a lawyer about your case. Your lawyer can advise you on the evidence you should collect to make a case against your employer or the offender.

In sexual harassment cases, the plaintiff or victim bears the burden of proof, which is relatively low. As a plaintiff, you only must prove sexual harassment using a preponderance of evidence, which means that it is more than likely an offender committed sexual harassment.

FAQs

How Much Does a Harassment Lawyer Cost?

In Newport Beach, the cost of a sexual harassment lawyer depends on three main factors: the lawyer’s skill and experience, the firm’s location, and the complexity of the case. More experienced lawyers can typically justify charging more, while firms in areas with a higher cost of living tend to be more expensive. Concurrently, cases that are more complex tend to require more billable hours, thus being more expensive.

How Much Can You Get for Harassment in California?

While it is difficult to determine how much a person can get for sexual harassment, there is a cap on damages one can recover in a sexual harassment case. At the federal level, a person cannot recover punitive or compensatory damages for sexual harassment above $300,000, and this value is for firms with over 500 employees. The cap is less as the workforce size decreases.

How Much Can I Get for Emotional Distress in California?

How much you can get for emotional distress in California varies. Judges will consider multiple factors when determining how much to award emotional distress victims. For example, a judge may consider the duration, severity, daily impact, and culpability of the emotional distress when considering the settlement. Additionally, you should speak with an experienced lawyer for more information.

What Makes a Strong Harassment Case?

What makes a strong harassment case is evidence proving the impact of the harassment and the lawyer’s skill when defending or advocating for their client. A skilled lawyer will be knowledgeable of California’s labor laws and use your evidence to make a solid case in court. A strong harassment case may also require eyewitness testimony as evidence and a clear timeline of events.

Experienced Lawyers Advocating for Your Rights

Being the victim of sexual harassment can be emotionally taxing, devaluing, and life-changing. Also, if you are being accused of sexual harassment, this can damage your reputation and be expensive if you are facing a claim. No matter what side of the law you are on, we can handle your case at Engels-Janzen. We are experienced employment lawyers who understand the laws surrounding harassment of all forms.

Fighting a sexual harassment case without a lawyer can lengthen the process and can sometimes make it more costly in the long run. If you are fighting a sexual harassment case or are planning to file a claim for sexual harassment, contact us today for a consultation. We are ready to represent you.