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Santa Clarita Sexual Harassment Lawyers

We understand that experiencing workplace sexual harassment may leave you feeling defeated, threatened, or confused. You may not know where to turn. The good news is that you are not alone. In 2021, the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 5,581 sexual harassment complaints. The other good news is that there is someone to help you. The Santa Clarita sexual harassment lawyers at King & Siegel LLP have guided clients through the legal process hundreds of times. We will help you stand up against unlawful business practices and hold employers accountable for the harm you endured. Contact us today.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of employment discrimination prohibited under state and federal law. Sexual harassment takes many forms, including unwanted sexual approaches, demands for sexual favors, and other sexual verbal or physical harassment. Comments about a person’s sex can constitute sexual harassment even if the harasser is not sexually motivated, like disrespectful comments toward women. Sexual harassment can occur regardless of the harasser’s gender and sexual orientation.

Two Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Not all offensive conduct is harassment. The law does not address mild taunting, casual remarks, or isolated incidents that are not severe. Harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile work environment or leads to an unfavorable employment decision (like being fired or demoted). Thus, there are two main types of sexual harassment: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo (“this for that”) harassment is the most recognizable form of sexual harassment in the workplace. This type of harassment occurs when a manager or supervisor demands sexual favors in exchange for conditions on a term of employment. The condition may be positive or negative, such as:

  • Providing a particular shift, raise, or promotion;
  • Threatening to transfer or terminate the worker;
  • Promising a job; or
  • Blackmailing the employee.

In quid pro quo harassment, an employer uses their authority in the workplace for sexual gratification. Unfortunately, if you experience this sexual exploitation, others at your workplace may also have experienced it. Bringing a complaint can stop ongoing abuse.

Hostile Work Environment Harassment

This type of harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct makes the workplace atmosphere intimidating, hostile, or offensive. The harassment must be so frequent or severe as to offend a reasonable person. It is also unlawful harassment if the conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance. Whenever someone makes sexual comments to demean and intimidate in the workplace, it is sexual harassment. Examples of unlawful conduct include:

  • Offensive jokes, epithets, slurs, or name-calling;
  • Physical violence, threats, or intimidation; 
  • Mocking or ridicule; 
  • Insults or put-downs; and 
  • Offensive images or objects.

Anyone affected by the harassment may have a claim in hostile work situations. The person whom the harasser directly targeted is not the only victim—others in the workplace are also affected by the offensive conduct. Although not limited to these situations, hostile workplace harassment is common in male-dominated fields. Of all the sexual harassment complaints filed with the EEOC in 2021, only 16.3% were filed by men.

Who Is Responsible for Workplace Sexual Harassment?

California law requires all employers to “take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent discrimination and harassment from occurring.” Reasonable steps include providing anti-harassment training, having a harassment prevention policy, and responding promptly to complaints. The law makes employers responsible for harassment perpetrated by supervisors that results in a negative employment action, such as termination. Employers may be liable for harassment by other workers and even non-employees—including suppliers, clients, or customers—if they knew or should have known and failed to take immediate and appropriate action. An employee is always personally liable for harassment they inflict, regardless of the employer’s knowledge. 

I don't have words to thank you the king and Siegel team worked so hard on my case during the pandemic and I am so grateful and proud of my outcome with them. They are reasonable and reliable. Those you can trust .. everytime I had a question they would answer it I recommend them 100 percent.. am so thankful for the team .. my worries and stress are over .. a huge weight over my shoulder was lifted and was able to help my family during this hard time thank you so much king and Siegel team..
Vanessa Ponce
Vanessa Ponce
March 8, 2022
I was really nervous about hiring a lawyer but Julian and everyone in her office made the process as stress-free as it could be. She is kind, reassuring and confident and that helps make the process feel less scary. she also knows what kinds of outcomes are reasonable and will explain in detail why, and has a plan to get there. I cannot recommend her more highly.
Ines Martinez
Ines Martinez
March 8, 2022
I had the pleasure of being represented by this wonderful office and their attorneys! They were very quick about answering any questions and most times explained things so well that my questions were answered before I got the chance to ask them. I had an amazing experience, everyone is kind and very attentive to your wants and needs. A case can be very stressful and they did a great job at keeping me sane and comfortable through the entire process. I recommend them 100%.
Adrianna Sells
Adrianna Sells
October 25, 2021
This in an incredibly professional and responsive firm. There was an ease about getting initial information, scheduling, and working with their talented team. While I found it to be true of everyone that I encountered here, it was Julian Burns King that really went above and beyond. Her expertise, experience, and knowledge of employment law and its many facets coupled with her empathy and compassion for her clients, is truly one of a kind. I would absolutely recommend King & Siegel to anyone in need of legal advice or representation.
Jeri Mares
Jeri Mares
October 12, 2021
Everyone at this firm was so helpful, supportive, and nice. The settlement I got changed my life and working with them was as good as a lawsuit could possibly be. I am so glad I found them for my wrongful termination suit.
Evelyn A
Evelyn A
September 25, 2021
I’m glad I trusted the team of King & Seigel to handle my case they are the definition of professionalism. They were honest and very upfront with the process and kept me informed every step of the way not to mention I’m more than happy with the results. Thank you again to the team of King and Seigel.
Ramon Rodriguez
Ramon Rodriguez
December 9, 2020
Julian & Elliot are very good lawyers and I am glad I trusted them with my case. When I hired attorneys, I didn't know what to look for, but I am glad I found them. They were always attentive to my case and I never felt lost even though I did not have any prior experience with litigation. Ultimately, they got a result I was happy with and I am so glad I had them to help me put this experience behind me. You would be lucky to have them in your corner.
Ryan J
Ryan J
August 5, 2020
I would like to thank this amazing duo and their staff for taking care of my friend and I. They were patient and polite, very prompt, and always professional! Thank you all so much! 💜
Yanni Boo
Yanni Boo
July 15, 2020

How Our Santa Clarita Sexual Harassment Attorneys Will Handle Your Complaint

When you schedule your free consultation, an attorney will listen to your concerns. We will explain how your situation fits within California’s employment laws and explain your options. If what happened to you qualifies as discrimination, we will handle the process of filing with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the EEOC. These agencies investigate and compile discrimination complaints to ensure claim validity and identify widespread discriminatory employment practices. 

Once the agency sends your “right-to-sue” notice, you and your attorney can file a civil lawsuit against the harasser and your employer. A civil lawsuit allows you to recover monetary damages, including damages for emotional distress. In egregious cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages and attorney’s fees.

Next, we will handle the process of collecting evidence to support your story. We will ask you for any documentation of the harassment, like notes, emails, and the names of witnesses. While contemporaneous documentation is important, remember that California law requires both parties to consent to being recorded. We will speak with your employer to find out what they know about the harassment and their harassment policies. We will depose the harasser and any other supervisors involved.

When employers receive notice of a complaint, they will sometimes contact their insurance company to offer a settlement. Before you accept a settlement offer, your attorney will counsel you on your options. It may be in your best interest to take your case to trial, especially if your employer denies responsibility. Our attorneys will fight for your rights until you reach the resolution you deserve. 

King & Siegel LLP: Santa Clarita Sexual Harassment Attorneys Fighting for Justice 

Santa Clarita offers a wide range of employment, from aerospace and defense to digital and entertainment. Regardless of your industry, every person deserves a workplace free of harassment. Our Santa Clarita sexual harassment attorneys will help you understand your rights and how you can hold employers accountable. Our attorneys dedicate themselves to supporting Santa Clarita’s workers through traumatic and challenging times. We value your concerns about your professional or personal reputation while reliving embarrassing and offensive incidents. Our team of aggressive, skilled, and passionate attorneys works tirelessly to achieve your goals, including recovering financially and obtaining justice. If you feel you’ve been taken advantage of or harassed at work, reach out to our employment law professionals. We will meet with you to review your options as soon as possible.

Choosing the Right Attorney Can Make All the Difference

We Get Results

We go toe-to-toe with employers to get you the compensation you deserve.

Free, No-Strings-Attached Consultations

All consultations are 100% free. Not sure you have a case? That's fine. We're happy to learn more about your situation and point you in the right direction.

Clients Always Come First

We understand that our clients trust us with their most personal and critical legal issues. We do not take this responsibility lightly. You are not just a number to us.

We Are Passionate About What We Do

We started King & Siegel because we believe that the same aggressive, skilled, and passionate litigation tactics we learned at big firms could and should be available to workers and consumers in their most critical legal moments—when you are harassed, assaulted, demoted, fired, defrauded, or exploited by the institutions you rely on.

Our Firm is Dedicated to Excellence

We graduated from top-five law schools, including Harvard and NYU, and trained at the country's biggest and best litigation firms. As contingency attorneys, you don't pay us unless you win, which means our incentives are 100% aligned. We win if you win. It's that simple.