The Modesto sexual harassment lawyers at Melmed Law Group P.C. provides free consultations for victims of sexual harassment in Modesto and throughout Stanislaus County. Our experienced sexual harassment attorneys can help you navigate during this difficult time.
Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help you.
Representing Victims of Sexual Harassment in Modesto
The lawyers at our office understand that sexual harassment is a traumatic experience and that you may not feel comfortable discussing it. We take a sensitive approach and guide our clients through each step of the legal process answering any questions that they have to ease them during their time of distress.
We don’t just fight for our clients, we’re here to help them heal and move forward with their life.
We offer a free 15-minute consultation with a sexual harassment lawyer to help you evaluate your options, and determine the best plan of action for you.
Am I a Victim of Sexual Harassment?
There are federal, state-wide, and city laws that define sexual harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal anti-discrimination laws, which Stanislaus County has adopted as their policy to protect their employees from sexual harassment in the workplace.
You may be a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace if you are subjected to:
- Unwelcome sexual advances;
- Unwelcome requests for sexual favors;
- Unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature;
- Unwelcome verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature;
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment. (trading sex or sexual favors in exchange for higher pay or a promotion or some other favorable employment opportunity)
In California, it is unlawful for anyone to harass any person based on their sex. In the workplace, sexual harassment can be in the form of comments, requests, verbal conduct of a sexual nature, gestures, and unwanted physical contact that turns a workplace into a hostile and intimidating environment.
Specific forms of sexual harassment are:
- Sexual favors in exchange for a promotion.
- Unwanted touching including deliberate touching, leaning over, hugging, and patting.
- Unwanted gestures like blowing kisses.
- Telling sexual jokes and asking sexual questions.
- Repeated pressure for dates.
- Whistling at or catcalling someone.
- Stories of a sexual or suggestive nature.
- Purposefully standing close to someone.
Further, a victim may not be a ‘direct’ victim; someone who witnessed sexual harassment, or who is subject to a sexually hostile work environment, may also have actionable claims for sexual harassment under state and federal law.
Can My Employer Retaliate After I File a Sexual Harassment Claim?
If you report sexual harassment, your employer may retaliate against you, and such retaliation may also be a form of wrongful termination, demotion, reduction in hours of employment, denial of a deserved bonus or raise, relocation to a different department, or exposure to a less favorable condition of employment. This type of retaliation is illegal.
Therefore, it’s highly suggested for anyone experiencing sexual harassment to document the behaviors, gather evidence through copies of internal correspondence, photos, and statements from employees, then speak to an attorney as soon as possible. If one of these adverse consequences occurs to you, our California sexual harassment lawyer will stand by your side to fight against wrongful termination and employer retaliation in addition to any potential claims for sexual harassment.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim?
There are strict limitations to bringing a sexual harassment claim. To figure out your time limitations, call our office in order to speak to an attorney to figure out the time limitations. Failing to do so may prevent you from recovering any damages at all.
Free Consultation with a Modesto Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you or someone you know is or was a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, reach out to us for a free consultation with one of our Modesto sexual harassment lawyers and learn what we can do for you.