Buena Park Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sexual harassment can alter the nature of your working environment, making it challenging to do your job, advance in your career, or even feel safe at work. A Buena Park sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand if the behavior you experienced may be a violation of California law and what remedies may be available to you.

Whether you were exposed to sexually inappropriate comments, repeated advances, or other inappropriate workplace conduct, learning about your legal rights is an important first step in determining how to respond.

Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer With Experience in Buena Park

At Briana Kim, PC, we work with employees on a variety of issues that arise in the workplace, including sexual harassment. We know that harassment claims are often difficult and sensitive in nature and require skillful, legal guidance and a compassionate ear.

Briana Kim, PC, works with employees to examine the facts, discuss the legal options, and pursue goals that are specific to each client. We work to protect employees’ rights and achieve effective outcomes for them. A large portion of our client base is Korean, as we especially cater to the employment law matters of Koreans in Buena Park.

Hostile Work Environment vs. Quid Pro Quo Harassment

California recognizes more than one type of workplace sexual harassment. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, Government Code § 12940(j), unlawful harassment may include either a hostile work environment or quid pro quo harassment. In general, a hostile work environment may be found if unwelcome conduct based on sex is sufficiently severe or pervasive and interferes with an employee’s ability to work.

Quid pro quo harassment usually involves conditioning an employment decision or benefit on accepting or rejecting unwelcome sexual advances or requests. An attorney can review the facts of your situation and explain whether California law may provide a legal remedy.

Who May Be Liable for Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment liability varies depending on who did it and the facts of the situation. Sexual harassment can be carried out by any person who is present in the workplace. Examples of common roles in which this type of abuse occurs are listed below:

• Supervisors
• Managers
• Coworkers

• Clients
• Customers
• Vendors

In some situations, an employer may be held legally liable for failing to prevent or appropriately address known workplace harassment. An employer’s liability may depend on factors such as their response, policies in place, and actions taken after a complaint is received. Since each case is unique, an experienced employment attorney is an ideal resource for reviewing the facts, determining who may be liable, and explaining what legal remedies may be available.

Common Evidence Used in Sexual Harassment Cases

Documentation can often be crucial to proving what happened in a workplace sexual harassment case. Examples of useful documentation are listed below:

• Emails
• Text messages
• Instant messages
• Voicemails
• Photos
• Personnel files
• Disciplinary records
• Witness statements (if available and necessary)
• Security camera footage
• Written complaints to an employer

Performance reviews prepared both before and after alleged harassment may also be useful in some cases. Employees should preserve potentially relevant documentation, like that listed above. Deleting or destroying such evidence should be avoided until after your case is closed. An attorney may be able to help you identify records that might help you prove your claim and advise you on how to preserve evidence that may be relevant.

How Sexual Harassment Can Affect an Employee Beyond the Workplace

Sexual harassment continues to be a top priority of federal employment law enforcement. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, for example, filed 52 legal claims alleging sex discrimination during fiscal year 2024. Of those 52 claims, 32 were legal claims involving workers alleging harassment. While all cases are unique, if you face unwanted sexual conduct at work, you may want to speak with an attorney about your rights and possible legal remedies.

FAQs

Can I File a Sexual Harassment Claim if I Was Never Fired?

You do not have to be fired to file a sexual harassment claim. Moreover, a sexual harassment claim does not have to end with your termination. In some cases, an employee may be protected under California law even if a worker remains employed or never experiences a termination.

Your ability to file a claim depends on the conduct in question and the surrounding circumstances. An attorney can review your case and discuss legal remedies that may be available.

Can My Employer Transfer Me After I Report Sexual Harassment?

Employers can change an employee’s job duties or location for a valid business reason, but a transfer due to a complaint of sexual harassment could potentially be illegal. Whether such a transfer is considered illegal retaliation hinges on the specific details, like its effect on the employee’s role, responsibilities, or environment. An attorney can review the facts and discuss whether the employer may have violated California law.

How Common Is Workplace Harassment Enforcement by the EEOC?

Workplace harassment remains a top enforcement priority for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. During fiscal year 2024, the EEOC filed 39 claims alleging harassment. Five of those were Title VII lawsuits alleging the sexual harassment of teenage workers. While each case is unique, the EEOC’s enforcement activity demonstrates the agency’s continued focus on addressing unlawful workplace harassment.

Where Can Buena Park Employees Report Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Buena Park employees have various ways to report workplace sexual harassment, depending on the situation. A complaint alleging violations of California law may be filed with the California Civil Rights Department, while other claims may be filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Los Angeles District Office, located on East Temple Street on the 4th floor in Los Angeles.

Filing requirements and time limits vary, and prompt legal advice can help preserve your rights.

Contact an Attentive Buena Park Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Workplace sexual harassment may impact your career, financial security, and overall well-being for years to come. Knowing your rights is an important first step in determining how to address illegal workplace behavior. Briana Kim is dedicated to serving California employees with compassionate, individualized legal advocacy every step of the way through the claims process.

An attorney can assist you in assessing your options if you have suffered workplace sexual harassment in Buena Park and help you determine the right course of action for you based on the unique facts of your situation. Schedule a consultation to hire a sexual harassment lawyer. Our website is available in both English and Korean.

Buena Park Sexual Harassment Lawyer Reviews