WALNUT CREEK SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWYERS
Comprehensive Legal Support for Sexual Harassment Victims in Northern California
No one should have to deal with sexual harassment, but the unfortunate reality is that hostile work environments remain a severe problem. You should not suffer in silence if you have been made uncomfortable by a colleague, supervisor, or a company’s toxic culture.
Our Walnut Creek sexual harassment lawyers are prepared to stand up for you and fight to preserve your right to a safe work environment. Our experienced team at Ratner Molineaux can walk you through the process of filing a harassment claim and help you respond to any consequent discriminatory or retaliatory behavior. We have a strong track record of compassionately and aggressively representing clients in these cases and want you to feel comfortable with our approach. When you come to us for help, we will take the time to understand the specifics of your situation, outline your rights, and go to bat for you in and out of the courtroom.
Call Ratner Molineaux today at (925) 332-1444 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our sexual harassment attorneys in Walnut Creek!
Understanding Sexual Harassment Law in California
Sexual harassment can take many forms. Some types of harassment will be blatant and obvious, while others will be subtler but still inappropriate and unlawful.
Types of sexual harassment that contribute to an unsafe work environment include:
- Sexually Inappropriate Jokes or Comments. This includes supposedly innocuous jabs at someone’s physical appearance, choice of clothing, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and/or perceived promiscuity (or lack thereof). Sexual propositions made “in jest” are also extremely inappropriate.
- Inappropriate Physical Contact. Offering a high-five or shaking someone’s hand are generally acceptable forms of physical contact in the workplace, but unwanted hugs, kisses, or other types of touching are never permissible. No one should be touching you without your consent, even when the physical contact does not necessarily constitute sexual assault.
- Quid Pro Quos. A coworker, supervisor, or non-employee might offer to exchange career-based incentives or monetary rewards for sexual favors. For example, your boss could promise you a promotion if you agree to go on a date with them. These types of propositions are never acceptable.
Everyone should be able to earn a living without worrying about inappropriate comments, requests, or physical contact. If you are subject to a hostile work environment or being propositioned with quid pro quo, you likely have a sexual harassment claim. Take steps to protect yourself by thoroughly documenting each incident. Our Walnut Creek sexual harassment attorneys can assess your circumstances and help you review your legal options.
Steps to Take When Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in California
If you are ready to pursue a claim, you may need to review your company’s official policy on sexual misconduct. In some situations, It may be prudent to file a complaint internally even if you are confident that your company’s HR department will be unhelpful. Failing to attempt to address the harassment internally could limit your ability to take future legal action against your employer.
Be aware that you cannot immediately file a civil lawsuit against an employer that has failed to address issues of sexual harassment. You must first file a claim with either the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). In most cases, you will have 300 days to file a sexual harassment claim with EEOC or one year to file a claim with DFEH.
DFEH or EEOC will evaluate your complaint and may decide to conduct an investigation. Your employer will be required to respond to this investigation, and you will have a chance to review their response. If either government agency believes the law has been violated, they will generally initiate a mediation session between you and your employer. If your employer is uncooperative and an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, the government may file a lawsuit on your behalf.
If the government decides there is enough evidence to prove that your employer may have broken sexual harassment laws, they will complete their investigation and typically serve you with a Notice of Right to Sue. You will have ninety days from receiving this notice to file a civil lawsuit in state or federal court if you filed with EEOC, and you will have up to one year to pursue legal action if you filed with DFEH. You must act quickly and consult a legal professional on how best to move forward.
What Proof Do I Need in a Sexual Harassment Case?
Proving sexual harassment can be challenging, but certain types of evidence can strengthen your case:
- Documentation: Written records of incidents, including dates, times, and harassment descriptions. Diaries, journals, or logs can be particularly helpful.
- Electronic Evidence: Emails, text messages, voicemails, and other electronic communications that demonstrate harassment.
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from coworkers or others who witnessed the harassment or can corroborate your claims.
- Physical Evidence: Any physical items that support your case, such as inappropriate photos, notes, or gifts.
- Company Policies: Copies of workplace policies, training materials, and records of any complaints you filed with your employer.
Contact Our Sexual Harassment Attorney in Walnut Creek Today
Our Walnut Creek sexual harassment lawyers are ready to help you navigate filing a claim with the EEOC or DFEH. We can represent you throughout a government investigation and assist you with filing a civil lawsuit if doing so becomes necessary. Our team at Ratner Molineaux is not afraid to go to court to pursue what is in your best interest, and we are also ready to combat other forms of employer misconduct that could result from filing a claim, including unlawful retaliation and wrongful termination.
Get the experienced legal help you need when fighting sexual harassment in the workplace. Schedule a free initial consultation by contacting us online or calling (925) 332-1444 today to get started with our Walnut Creek sexual harassment lawyers.
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“I highly recommend Ratner & Molineaux Law Firm to anyone in need of employment legal assistance.”
“From the initial consultation to the final resolution, their team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and were there with me every step of the way.”- T.T. -
“David and team have done an amazing job”
- F.A.David and team have done an amazing job helping to secure a settlement due to my cessation of employment at a top firm. Thank you so much for your help.
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“Highly Recommend”
Highly recommend. Laid off without notice by a shady Pre IPO lender in San Francisco. No one was given severance and they hired a labor attorney ahead of the layoffs to try and get around paying severance and warn notice. Without this firm taking my case, I would have never received a dime. Do not let a lay off without any severance deter you, contact this firm. Odd thing was 1 letter from this firm and severance was immediately offered. It's a game these high-tech companies are playing and gambling on. Their bet is 98% will not do anything severance and for the small percent that do, the amount to pay versus provided all in the layoff, is pennies on the dollar. Get your documentation, all emails, take photos of slack messages, record any zoom calls where there is a statement " no one is getting laid off" and so forth. Records any zoom calls where you are laid off. Take notes. Protect yourself and family. Working all the holidays and 12-hour days to be let go with nothing, is ridiculous. Use this firm and provide all your documentation. Good Luck!- J.C. -
“Extremely Satisfied”
I was referred to Ratner Molineaux after my daughter and I suffered injury and property damage resulting from a defective product in our home. During my very first conversation with David Ratner, I found him to be straightforward, professional, and extremely responsive to my concerns. Thereafter, David took the time to walk us through each and every stage of the litigation process and was an excellent advocate for my daughter and I. He remained fiercely protective of our interests and represented us well during mediation, preparation for trial, and settlement talks. David's style is very direct and to the point, which might be off putting for some, but worked well for me since I tend to be laser focused when dealing with business matters. Near the conclusion of my case, I had the opportunity to meet his partner Shelley, who had also diligently and effectively assisted with our litigation. In the end, our result was more than adequate, and both my daughter and I walked away extremely satisfied with both the representation we'd received, and the outcome of our claim. I definitely recommend this firm.- D.M. -
“Professional opinion and experienced perspective”
reached out to Ratner Molineaux after a previous attorney referral did not follow through despite the time sensitivity of my issue. The Ratner Molineaux team responded quickly to schedule a consultation on a work-related matter. David Ratner reviewed my issues and provided options and great advice how I could proceed. It was great peace of mind to have a professional opinion and experienced perspective. The consultation with David Ratner gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to make my final decision.- L.C. -
“Great guidance and quick resolution”
David and team provided great guidance and quick resolution to my matter. I appreciated David's willingness to listen and the team’s responsiveness. I highly recommend them and will definitely call them again in the future if needed.- J.K. -
“Kind compassionate service”
Highly recommend. Prompt response and kind compassionate service with a difficult employment situation.- J.F. -
“Really great to work with”
David and Hanna were really great to work with. David took the time to educate me, provided service, and gave me the support I needed to start representing my own interests. Highly recommend this group.- Q.N.
