Alameda County Sexual Harassment Lawyers

If you have been the victim of sexual harassment at work in Alameda County, you have legal rights that must be protected. Enforcing your legal rights not only protects your right to feel safe in the workplace, but it also protects other innocent victims from being harassed in the future. Sexual harassment claims are an important deterrent to other employers who would allow inappropriate conduct in the workplace. They send the message that this behavior will not be tolerated and that employers have a legal obligation to ensure it does not continue once they are made aware of it. If you would like to discuss a possible claim, contact our Alameda County sexual harassment lawyers today. 

What is Sexual Harassment? 

In general, sexual harassment falls under one of two categories. “Quid pro quo” harassment occurs when the conditions of a person’s employment are made contingent on meeting sexual demands. These conditions of employment could be a promotion, a pay raise, or simply keeping your job. Sexual demands could be language, actions, threats, or many other types of inappropriate sexual behavior.

The other type of sexual harassment is known as a hostile work environment. If a coworker or supervisor makes sexual comments, gestures, actions, or other inappropriate conduct, this can create a hostile work environment. Employers have a legal obligation to respond to a hostile work environment and stop inappropriate behaviors. If they do not, they can be held liable for allowing the hostile work environment to continue.   

What Should I Do If I Experience Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

It is not always easy to tell if you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. The law gives general guidelines, but in most cases, does not clearly define behaviors that do or do not meet the definition of sexual harassment. There is case law in this area that can give examples of conduct that has been considered sexual harassment, but this may or may not clarify the issue in your particular case. This is why it is so important to consult with a sexual harassment lawyer about your particular case. 

If you feel uncomfortable about any type of sexual behavior in the workplace, it is important to consult with your own lawyer about your legal rights. Remember, company lawyers and HR employees are only protecting the company’s interests. They are paid to protect the company from sexual harassment claims – not to protect your legal rights in the workplace. You need independent legal advice from an attorney who is on your side. An attorney will be able to review all your options and recommend the legal strategy that is right for you. 

Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyers for Victims in Alameda County

At Minnis and Smallets, we fight hard to keep the workplaces of Alameda County free from sexual harassment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced sexual harassment attorneys. Don’t delay – the sooner you have an attorney on your side, the sooner you can feel safe in your work environment and protect other innocent employees from illegal workplace behaviors.