When employees in California like you are faced with sexual harassment in the workplace, you may feel at a loss of what to do next. Filing a complaint can be a little trickier than you think, so it’s best to go into the situation with as much advanced preparation as you can manage.
The first thing to note is that U.S. News states that there are several hurdles you should be aware of when pursuing a sexual harassment case or following up on a complaint issued earlier. For example, you may not get the desired outcome with the first internal investigation. It is entirely possible that even if your claim is proven true, you may still be forced to work with the person you filed a complaint against. They aren’t always fire, and sometimes they aren’t even moved to a different department. Sometimes, they only get an official warning.
It is also advisable for you to be up to date on the laws of sexual harassment in your state. Sometimes, employee handbooks have outdated laws in them. You should always review the state laws first to make sure that you have the most up-to-date information to use when filing your complaint. Additionally, they advocate keeping as many records as possible to boost your case and avoid finger-pointing without evidence. This means saving emails, keeping as much in writing as possible, and recording as many conversations or messages as you can. The more solid proof you have, the higher your chances of winning the case.
Dealing with sexual harassment at the workplace can be overwhelming and frightening. While this isn’t meant as legal advice, you may wish to consider brushing up on state laws and being prepared for the potential roadblocks you might face.
Your job is more than just a source of income. It is a major part of your lifestyle. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, wrongful demotion or any kind of discriminatory business practices, it is time to take action and contact a Ventura employment law attorney that can help. Attorney Matthew A. Kaufman and the team at The Kaufman Law Firm bring experience and a vast arsenal of legal resources to help clients recover the money they deserve.
To learn more, contact our California law office today and schedule an initial evaluation to discuss your case.