Sexual Harassment Attorney Palo Alto

Workplace sexual harassment affects countless employees in San Francisco and across Northern California. Addressing this serious problem is crucial for the well-being of employees and for maintaining a respectful and equitable workplace environment. At Minnis & Smallets LLP, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping employees protect their rights and seek justice for any mistreatment they have endured. We aim to provide employees with the necessary tools to address workplace sexual harassment effectively.

What Qualifies as Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Workplace sexual harassment encompasses a range of behaviors that can create a hostile or intimidating work environment based on an employee’s sex or gender. It generally falls into two main categories: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when employment benefits, such as promotions, raises or continued employment, are conditioned on the acceptance of unwanted sexual conduct. This type of harassment places undue pressure on employees, forcing them to choose between their professional advancement and their personal dignity.

Hostile Work Environment Harassment

A hostile work environment involves conduct that creates an offensive, intimidating or hostile atmosphere for the employee. This type of harassment can include a wide range of behaviors, from unwelcome sexual advances and inappropriate comments to explicit jokes and displays of sexual material. The key factor is that the behavior interferes with the employee’s ability to perform their job duties comfortably and effectively.

Examples of Harassing Behavior

Understanding what constitutes workplace sexual harassment can help employees recognize when their rights are being violated. Some specific examples of harassing behaviors include:

• Unwelcome Physical Advances: Any form of unwanted physical contact, such as touching, hugging or kissing, falls under this category.
• Inappropriate Comments: Making lewd remarks, sexual jokes or comments about an employee’s appearance can create a hostile work environment.
• Retaliation for Rejecting Advances: Punishing an employee for refusing sexual advances, such as demoting them or creating a difficult work environment, is also considered harassment.

How Attorneys Can Help Address Workplace Sexual Harassment

Navigating the complexities of a workplace sexual harassment case can be daunting for employees. Having experienced attorneys from Minnis & Smallets LLP can make a significant difference in how the situation is handled and resolved. 

Documenting the Harassment

Proper documentation is crucial in proving that harassment has occurred. Our attorneys can guide employees in collecting and organizing evidence, such as emails, text messages and witness testimonies, that corroborate their claims.

Filing Complaints and Legal Actions

We assist employees in filing formal complaints with their employers or relevant authorities. If the issue cannot be resolved internally, our attorneys are prepared to take the matter to court, seeking legal remedies that may include monetary compensation and policy changes within the organization.

Seeking Compensation

Employees who have suffered damages as a result of workplace sexual harassment may be entitled to compensation. This can cover lost wages, medical expenses related to mental health treatment and other costs associated with the harassment. Our attorneys work diligently to ensure that employees receive the compensation they deserve for the mistreatment they have endured.

Contact a Sexual Harassment Attorney Near Palo Alto

If an employee has experienced workplace sexual harassment, it is vital to seek legal help immediately. The attorneys at Minnis & Smallets LLP are committed to providing the guidance and support needed to navigate the legal process and seek justice. Our experience in employment law and dedication to our clients’ well-being makes us a trusted ally in the fight against workplace harassment. Contact our sexual harassment attorney near Palo Alto today.