The Oakland sexual harassment lawyers at Melmed Law Group P.C. provide free consultations for victims of sexual harassment in Oakland and throughout Alameda 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 Workplace Sexual Harassment in Oakland and Alameda County
Employees are given the right to work in a non-hostile workplace where they are not constantly intimidated and ruled by the fear of sexual harassment. Turning a workplace into a hostile environment or harassing someone with sexual intent, even if it’s not physical, is illegal in Oakland and Alameda County.
If you have found yourself as a victim of workplace sexual harassment, our Oakland sexual harassment lawyers may be able to help. We understand that sexual harassment in the workplace 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.
The harassment attorneys at Melmed Law Group P.C. have significant experience litigating sexual harassment claims, and we don’t just fight for our clients in Alameda County, 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.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment in Oakland, California?
The rules for sexual harassment in Oakland derives from the rules that were created by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which applies on a federal level.
According to the policies provided by EEOC, 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.
- Stores 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 attorney will stand by your side in Oakland 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 an Oakland Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you or someone you know is or was a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace in Alameda County, reach out to us for a free consultation with one of our Oakland sexual harassment lawyers and learn what we can do for you.