Sexual Harassment

In California, state and federal laws protect workers from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Yet, such treatment still frequently occurs. If you believe you are being victimized by unfair employment practices, our legal team can help.

Serving clients located through the Northern California region, the Law Offices of John E. Hill, P.C. evaluates your situation and vigorously defends your rights when you suffer workplace discrimination or harassment.

Discrimination takes a number of forms. If you are denied employment, refused promotion and other opportunities offered to similarly qualified workers or lose your job due to a factor such as gender or race, you may be a victim of discrimination.

In California, laws protect you against discrimination if you are a member of a protected class. Along with gender and race, protected classes in our state include the following:

• Individuals over 40 years of age — Age discrimination occurs when older employees are edged out in favor of younger employees. In the current job climate, experienced workers have more difficulty obtaining employment and keeping their jobs due to age discrimination.
• Disability status — If a disability interferes with your ability to earn a living, you are protected by laws that require your employer to make reasonable accommodations so you can perform your job.
• National origin — People of all nationalities work and live in California. If you are subjected to discriminatory employment practices based on your country of origin, you may have a legal claim against your employer.

While discrimination results from inappropriate workplace policies and actions, harassment occurs when you are subjected to inappropriate or hostile behavior. You may suffer harassment at the hands of a co-worker, supervisor or employer. Consider the following points about sexual harassment:

• You can be sexually harassed by someone of the same gender.
• Unwanted sexual advances, suggestions, requests for sex, leering and making offensive jokes are considered sexual harassment.
• It is illegal to withhold a promotion or to offer promotion based on a request for sexual favors.
• Sexual harassment includes discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions.

All California employers have a responsibility to take action to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. If you believe you are being harassed while on the job, it may be time consider taking legal action.

Taking appropriate steps when you experience problems in the workplace can sometimes stop the discriminating and harassing behaviors. When you have employment questions or are damaged by the actions of your employer or others at the workplace, talk to our legal team at the Law Offices of John E. Hill, P.C. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and can accommodate your schedule with flexible office hours. Call (510) 588-1000 or contact us online today to learn more about our services. Hablamos español.