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Sexual Harassment Lawyer Mountain View

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Sexual Harassment Lawyer Mountain View

Employees in the Bay Area, like employees everywhere, have the right to go to work and do their jobs without unwanted sexually charged distractions or behavior. One would think that employers would universally respect this right and encourage their workers to exercise it. But in some cases, the opposite becomes true when employers either facilitate or tolerate such behavior. When aggrieved workers bring legitimate claims, some employers react defensively and harshly. In such an environment, employees may find it necessary to turn to a sexual harassment lawyer near Mountain View to assert and protect their rights in the workplace.

At the Law Office of Jeannette A. Vaccaro, we are committed to helping employees defend their right to workplaces free of discrimination and harassment. We work diligently to hold negligent employers accountable for their actions and seek the compensation and justice that employees deserve.

Types of Sexual Harassment Claims in California

At its core, sexual harassment is a sexually-charged impediment to effective job performance. Removing that impediment benefits everyone. For that reason, many claims are settled out of court and on favorable terms.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and applicable California employment laws, there are two basic types of sexual harassment claims:

  • Quid Pro Quo (This for That): Employers cannot make any type of sexual behavior a condition for positive or negative treatment in the workplace.
  • Hostile Environment: A single instance of inappropriate language or behavior may not be enough to constitute a hostile environment. But if the work environment is so toxic that certain employees are unable to do their jobs properly, it may be hostile. A skilled sexual harassment lawyer near Mountain View can help review the circumstances to determine if it meets the standard for creating a hostile environment.

Many sexual harassment claims are retaliation claims. Too often, employers take adverse action against workers who complain about sexual harassment in the workplace, either involving themselves or other employees. Unwarranted retaliation is an independent cause of action that may lead to even more significant damages than a sexual harassment claim.

Damages Available in Sexual Harassment Claims

Sexual harassment is a very serious problem and can result in substantial damages being awarded to those who are harassed. These damages are designed to compensate the victim and also deter future wrongdoing on the part of the employer. 

To that extent, in addition to the monetary damages discussed below, many sexual harassment settlements also include court-enforced consent decrees. So, even if the employer continues to deny responsibility, they still must make changes that will protect workers. Many times, this justice is more important than the money that we obtain at the Law Office of Jeannette A. Vaccaro.

Of course, financial compensation is important. The law allows several different types of compensation, including:

  • Back Pay: Sexual harassment victims who are fired or forced to leave their jobs may be entitled to back pay. This includes not only regular cash compensation but also non-cash compensation, expected bonuses, and any other form of remuneration.
  • Front Pay: In successful sexual harassment claims, judges may order an employer to reinstate victims, but that reinstatement is not always practical or desirable. In these cases, a certain amount of front pay may be available intended to make up for the wages the victim would have earned had they returned to work.
  • Noneconomic Damages: Sexual harassment victims may endure significant pain and suffering, including loss of enjoyment in life, emotional distress, and other intangible damages. Their suffering merits both recognition and additional monetary compensation.
  • Attorneys’ Fees: In sexual harassment cases, employers who are found to be liable must generally pay the victim’s legal expenses. So, the victim receives quality legal representation at little or no cost to themselves.

Various federal and state laws may impose limitations on damages, particularly in the area of punitive damages, based on the company’s size. An experienced sexual harassment lawyer near Mountain View can help you determine the types of damages that may be appropriate in your circumstances.

Reach Out to a Knowledgeable Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Workplace sexual harassment in any form should never be tolerated. To request a confidential case evaluation with an experienced sexual harassment lawyer near Mountain View, contact the Law Office of Jeannette A. Vaccaro. We are committed to helping employees seek justice.

Think You May
Have A Case?

Jeannette is passionate about employee rights. She fights to shed light on injustices and to help her clients move beyond troubling times. Contact Jeannette today for a free case evaluation.

Jeannette A. Vaccaro is a Passionate and zealous advocate, representing employees in all facets of employment law.

Think You May Have A Case?

Jeannette is passionate about employee rights. She fights to shed light on injustices and to help her clients move beyond troubling times. Contact Jeannette today for a free case evaluation.

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