Workplace Harassment Lawyers in Van Nuys, CA

Advocating for Workplace Harassment Victims in California

At Laurel Employment Law, we fiercely represent the rights of individuals who have experienced workplace harassment. If you have had to weather inappropriate comments or actions that have made your job environment hostile, turn to us. Ours is a client-focused firm that serves workers exclusively. Our Van Nuys workplace harassment attorneys can act on your behalf and work to get the resolution you deserve. 

Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue, often misunderstood or underestimated in its impact. It's not only about isolated incidents; it creates an ongoing hostile environment affecting mental health and productivity. Our approach comprises a comprehensive initial assessment of your case, empowering you to understand the full scope of your legal rights and options in California. By providing nuanced advice, we help clients navigate through confusing processes, ensuring they do not face these challenges alone.

Call (310) 929-6371 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn how our workplace harassment attorney in Van Nuys can help you.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

Under California law, workplace harassment is defined as actions that intimidate, ridicule, or demean someone, creating a hostile environment. These can be physical, verbal, or written. Harassment often involves discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, nationality, sex, gender, sexuality, age, and disability.

Harassment can also include microaggressions and systemic behaviors that erode workplace morale over time. Even subtler forms of harassment, such as exclusion or persistent undermining, are prosecutable under California's robust anti-harassment laws. Our firm is dedicated to educating clients about these realities, ensuring that no potential violation goes unchecked in the pursuit of a fair workplace.

Understanding Your Rights Under California Law

California is known for having comprehensive protections against workplace harassment, and understanding these can greatly aid employees in safeguarding their rights. The state enforces strict regulations under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which goes beyond federal laws to cover broader categories of workers and more nuanced forms of harassment. For example, California’s legislation includes protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, which, while becoming more common elsewhere, is particularly rigorous here.

Educating employees on their rights builds awareness and deters potential violations. Employers must provide training to inform employees about identifying, preventing, and reporting harassment. This training not only reduces incidents but also promotes a culture of respect and equality in workplaces. At Laurel Employment Law, we reinforce this education and help clients fully grasp their rights and available options for addressing harassment.

Legal Options For Addressing Harassment at Work

Should you experience workplace harassment, you have several options available to address the issue and seek justice:

• Internal Complaints: You can file a formal complaint with your employer’s human resources department. Employers are obligated to investigate your complaint promptly and address the harassment.
• Government Agency Complaints: You can also file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies investigate claims of workplace harassment. 
• Filing a Lawsuit: If other options do not result in a fair resolution, you can file a lawsuit. In doing so, you may seek damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other harm the harassment caused. 

A more proactive approach might also include engaging with community support groups or legal clinics for additional assistance. Understanding your rights and gathering resources from multiple channels can empower you further. Mediation may also serve as a viable preliminary step to resolve conflicts without escalating to formal legal procedures, offering both parties a chance to air grievances and potentially reach a mutually agreeable solution. If you are experiencing harassment at work, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced workplace harassment lawyer from Laurel Employment Law.

What Proof Do I Need in a Workplace Harassment Claim?

Here are some key pieces of proof needed in a workplace harassment case:

• Document the Harassment: Keep a detailed record of all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the behavior. Note any witnesses who were present during the incidents. These records can help establish a pattern of harassment and provide a timeline of events.
• Save Correspondence: Preserve any emails, text messages, voicemails, or other forms of communication that contain harassing content or are related to the harassment. These can serve as crucial evidence to support your claims.
• Witness Statements: Identify and obtain statements from co-workers who witnessed the harassment or can attest to the hostile work environment. Witnesses can provide corroborating evidence and strengthen your case.
• Performance Evaluations: If the harassment has affected your job performance, gather copies of performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, or any documentation that shows a change in your work performance or conditions as a result of the harassment.
• Company Policies and Reports: Review your company’s policies on harassment and discrimination. These policies can demonstrate that the behavior you experienced violates company rules. Additionally, provide copies of any complaints or reports you made to your employer or human resources department about the harassment.
• Medical Records: If the harassment has caused you emotional or physical harm, medical records, and psychological evaluations can substantiate your claim. These records can show the impact the harassment has had on your health and well-being.

Aside from the listed documentation, it's beneficial to maintain a journal outlining how workplace harassment has impacted your daily life, both professionally and personally. This can provide compelling personal insight into how the harassment has affected your well-being and day-to-day functioning, offering additional context to the case.

Don’t wait to address your legal needs—connect with a skilled workplace harassment attorney at Laurel Employment Law. Call (310) 929-6371 now.

How a Workplace Harassment Lawyer in Van Nuys Can Help

Choosing to retain a lawyer like ours at Laurel Employment Law can be advantageous as you seek justice for workplace harassment. First and foremost, our employment law attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations. They can provide personalized legal advice, clearly explain your rights, and ensure you understand the best course of action.

Our Van Nuys workplace harassment lawyers can also:

• Protect Your Rights: Not only will they outline your rights, but they will also look out for them at every turn. 
• Streamline Your Case Process: At our firm, we adhere to business best practices and use proprietary case management software. These things make working with our attorneys and staff easy. 
• Negotiate a Settlement: Our lawyers are skilled and aggressive negotiators who will try tirelessly to secure a fair settlement that compensates you properly for the harm you suffered.
• Represent You in Court: Should our attorneys need to take your case to court, you can feel confident in their ability to try cases effectively. They do everything possible to win. No other result is suitable. 

In addition, our firm values transparent communication, ensuring you are informed at every stage of the process. We leverage insights from a broad network of professionals, enhancing our strategies with multidisciplinary perspectives to address the complexities of workplace harassment cases. This comprehensive approach helps us tailor each strategy to the unique circumstances that our clients face, ensuring an individualized path to resolution.

Why Local Expertise Matters in Harassment Cases

Understanding the local legal climate is crucial when tackling workplace harassment issues. Van Nuys, and by extension the greater Los Angeles area, is governed by particular rulings and past precedents that influence how harassment cases are approached in courts. Local attorneys have the advantage of familiarity with these nuances, often knowing key players in regional legal systems and possessing insight into local jury tendencies.

Such awareness allows for crafting strategies that are finely tuned to the expectations and precedents of the Van Nuys legal community. Our attunement to these unique factors is one of the core advantages of selecting a local firm. We are not just advocates in a court of law; our attorneys are part of the community, invested in transforming local workplaces into environments where respect and equality are paramount.

Act fast to connect with an experienced workplace harassment attorney in Van Nuys. Use our online form to begin right away.

FAQs on Workplace Harassment

What Steps Should I Take If I’m Harassed at Work?

If you find yourself a victim of workplace harassment, it’s critical to take immediate and thoughtful actions. First, document every incident meticulously, noting dates, times, locations, and potential witnesses. Review your employer's handbook or policy on harassment, which will likely outline your rights and the reporting procedure.

Report the harassment to your supervisor or HR department promptly, providing them with all your documented evidence. If your internal report does not lead to a resolution, elevate your complaint to state or federal agencies like the CRD or EEOC. Speaking with an attorney who handles employment law could also provide insight and additional options for redress. Reach out to a seasoned workplace harassment lawyer from Laurel Employment Law right away.

Can I Be Retaliated Against for Reporting Harassment?

California law explicitly prohibits retaliation against employees who report workplace harassment. Retaliation can take many forms, including demotion, termination, unwarranted disciplinary actions, or other adverse changes in your work environment. It is your right to speak out against harassment without fear of retaliation, and if you experience such behavior, you can take legal action against your employer.

If you face retaliation, document all incidents meticulously, as they can form the basis for an additional complaint. Consult with an attorney experienced in workplace harassment to explore your options, which might include filing a separate lawsuit for retaliation. Ensuring that your rights are protected under the law is critical, and taking swift action can help prevent further negative consequences.

What If the Harassment Comes from a Supervisor?

Harassment from a supervisor is particularly serious due to the power imbalance, which can make the work environment untenable. If a supervisor is the harasser, it's crucial to report the behavior to another authority within your organization, such as the HR department or a higher-level manager. Documenting each instance is even more important in these situations.

In cases involving a supervisor, reaching out to an attorney might provide the additional leverage needed to ensure that your complaint is taken seriously and addressed promptly. Attorneys can assist you in understanding the full implications of the harassment, your employer's legal obligations, and your options moving forward.

How Can Laurel Employment Law Support My Harassment Claim?

At Laurel Employment Law, we provide compassionate support throughout your legal journey, ensuring you’re fully informed and empowered to pursue justice. Our team offers personalized consultations to discuss your experience in depth, identifying potential strategies and solutions tailored to your situation. We leverage our knowledge of local and state laws to build a robust strategy designed to match the nuances of your specific workplace and industry.

For dedicated legal assistance, connect with our qualified workplace harassment lawyer. Dial (310) 929-6371 or use our online form to arrange your consultation right away.