Encino Harassment Lawyer
Workplace Harassment Lawyer Protects Encino Employees’ Rights
Encino is a great place to live and work, but it’s illegal for an employee in Encino and across California to be harassed or discriminated against for several reasons. These include race, religion, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military/veteran status. No employee should ever be harassed at work.
Thankfully, there are resources in place to help victims of workplace harassment. Malatesta Law is located in Southern California, and our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of Encino employees. Andrew J. Malatesta has developed an in-depth understanding of employment law and unlawful workplace harassment. He has successfully recovered millions of dollars in damages for employees and can personally handle your case.
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Encino employment law attorney, Andrew J. Malatesta, by calling (424) 284-1384 today.
"If you want the best attorney representing you then look no further than Mr Andrew Malatesta. He will keep you well informed during your case and fight tooth and nail for the best outcome."
What Is Considered Workplace Harassment in California?
Workplace harassment is the presence of unwelcome or repeated words or actions that are known to be offensive or should be known to be offensive. This includes embarrassing, humiliating, or demeaning acts directed at an individual worker or a group of workers. An employee suffers harassment when the unwelcome behavior is severe, pervasive, or causing an interference with the victim’s work performance.
Unlawful harassment can take on many different forms, including being subjected to insults, jokes, slurs, demeaning conduct, or offensive behaviors. Sexual harassment can include unwanted touching, sexual advances, inappropriate sexual questioning, offensive sexual discussions, sexual innuendos, or sexually suggestive comments. Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employee’s employment and/or job benefits are conditional based on their engagement in sexual behavior. This type of harassment may be stated or implied through words, gestures, or actions.
Types of harassment include offensive, hostile, or unwelcome adverse treatment based on the victim’s:
- Sex
- Age
- Race
- Religion
- Disability
- National origin
- Sexual orientation
What Are the Rights of Harassment Victims in Encino?
Employers in California have significant responsibilities to prevent and address harassment in the workplace. Under state law, they must implement a robust anti-harassment policy that outlines prohibited conduct, reporting procedures, and disciplinary actions for violations. This policy should be clearly communicated to all employees and included in employee handbooks. Employers are also required to provide regular training on harassment prevention.
Reporting harassment in California is a protected right under state law. Employees who experience or witness harassment should report the incident to their employer as soon as possible. This can involve speaking to a supervisor, human resources, or another designated individual within the organization.
The law protects employees who report harassment from retaliation. Retaliation may include adverse actions like termination, demotion, or changes in job duties that negatively impact the employee.
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Workplace Harassment
If you are suffering from harassment at work in Encino, taking immediate action is essential. First, make it clear to the harasser that their behavior is unwelcome and must stop. This can be done verbally or in writing. Next, report the harassment to your supervisor, human resources, or any other designated individual per your company’s policy.
Thorough documentation is needed when facing harassment at work. Start by keeping a detailed record of each incident, noting the date, time, location, and individuals involved. Describe the harassing behavior or comments as accurately as possible, including any witnesses present. Save any relevant communications, such as emails, texts, or voicemails, that demonstrate the harassment. You’ll also want to note any steps you have taken to report the harassment and your employer’s response.
Consult Our Workplace Harassment Lawyer in Encino Today
Finding the right legal representation can make a big difference in an Encino workplace harassment case. Malatesta Law provides compassion and support throughout the legal process. As an experienced attorney, Andrew J. Malatesta can advise you on the best way to move forward with your claim, whether that means negotiating a settlement with your employer or pursuing litigation.
Our firm offers a free consultation where you can discuss your situation directly with Andrew J. Malatesta. Give our Encino workplace harassment attorney a call at (424) 284-1384 to learn more today, or reach out to us online.
Additional Information
- What is Quid Pro Quo Harassment?
- California Laws Against Harassment at Work
- Harassment – What Damages May an Employee Be Able to Recover?