Pursuing Legal Action Against Your Employer
If the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) issues you a “right to sue” notice, you have the right to file a lawsuit against your employer in civil court. This allows you to seek justice for the wrongs you have suffered. In a successful harassment lawsuit, you may be entitled to various damages such as:
- Lost wages and benefits: This includes back pay and future lost earnings if the harassment forced you to leave your job.
- Emotional distress damages: These compensate you for the psychological impact and mental anguish caused by the harassment.
- Punitive damages: These are intended to punish the employer for egregious conduct and deter future misconduct.
- Attorney fees and costs: These ensure that you can afford to pursue your legal rights without financial burden.
Our skilled litigators at Venardi Zurada LLP have extensive experience representing employees in harassment lawsuits. We vigorously advocate for your rights, build a strong case on your behalf, and work tirelessly to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve under the law.
What is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment involves unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile or offensive work environment. This abuse makes it difficult for an employee to perform their job duties effectively. Harassment is illegal under both federal and California state laws. Employers have a strict legal obligation to prevent and address such behavior immediately.
Types of Harassment We Handle
Harassment can take many forms in the San Francisco workplace. Our legal team is prepared to handle cases involving:
Manager Harassment
When a supervisor or manager is the source of the abuse, the situation is particularly serious. In California, employers are generally held strictly liable for harassment committed by a manager.
Coworker Harassment
Abuse from peers or colleagues is a common cause of a hostile work environment. If management was aware of the conduct and failed to stop it, the employer can be held responsible for the harm caused.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an abusive atmosphere.
Discriminatory Harassment
This type of harassment is based on a protected characteristic such as race, religion, age, or disability. While the environment is the issue, the motivation is rooted in bias.
Bullying Harassment
While general “meanness” is not always illegal, bullying becomes unlawful harassment when it is severe or pervasive and targets a protected aspect of your identity.
Verbal Harassment
This involves the use of slurs, derogatory comments, offensive jokes, or epithets that make the workplace unbearable.
Online and Cyber Harassment
Harassment frequently occurs through digital channels. This includes inappropriate emails, offensive messages on platforms like Slack or Zoom, and cyber-bullying via social media.
Retaliation
You have the legal right to report harassment or participate in an investigation. If your employer punishes you for exercising these rights, you may have a claim for unlawful retaliation.
Consult with Our San Francisco Workplace Harassment Lawyers Today
If you have been the victim of workplace harassment in San Francisco, do not hesitate to contact the dedicated employment attorneys at Venardi Zurada LLP. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and review our past case results. We will assess the merits of your claim and explain your legal options in clear, easy to understand terms.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us any legal fees unless we recover money for you.
Call us today at (833) 348-3088 or contact us online to get started.
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