If you’re feeling uneasy or troubled at work due to unwanted comments or actions that are sexual in nature, you might be facing sexual harassment. It’s not just about the discomfort, it’s a serious issue that the law recognizes and wants to protect you against. But when exactly should you reach out to a sexual harassment lawyer? The short answer: as soon as these incidents begin to affect your peace of mind and job performance.
Understanding Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment isn’t just about physical actions. It can also be verbal—like jokes or comments that make you feel uncomfortable. It’s harassment when such behavior creates an unwelcoming or offensive work environment or when it impacts your job or career progress because you didn’t go along with it.
Signs You Need a Lawyer
- Repeated Unwelcome Behavior: If you’re dealing with continuous inappropriate comments, jokes, or gestures, and this is not the first time it has happened.
- Authority Misuse: When a person in power at your job makes you feel that saying ‘no’ to a personal relationship or sexual advances could risk your job or chances of promotion.
- Differential Treatment: If you find that your workplace treatment has changed after refusing sexual advances like being excluded from meetings or passed over for opportunities.
- Questioning Evidence: You’re unsure about what counts as harassment or what evidence you might need to support your claim.
- Job Performance Impact: The unwelcome behavior is affecting your ability to do your job or is causing you significant stress.
- Fear of Retaliation: If you’re concerned about negative consequences for speaking up, such as being demoted, given worse duties, or even fired.
- Inaction from HR: You’ve reported the behavior to Human Resources, but nothing has changed, or the situation has worsened.
- Emotional Stress: You’re experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, or other mental health issues because of what’s happening at work.
In any of these situations, a sexual harassment lawyer can provide guidance, support, and legal options. Contact the Las Angeles sexual harassment lawyers at Moore Ruddell LLP to understand your rights and take steps toward a resolution.
A Lawyer’s Role
When you come to us with concerns about sexual harassment, our role is to be your ally and guide you through what can be a tough time. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your experiences, and explain your rights in clear terms. We’ll advise you on how best to record the unwanted behavior you’ve faced and give you steps on how to handle conversations with your company’s human resources. Furthermore, we’ll support you in dealing with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if it comes to that. With us by your side, you’ll have a team working to protect not just your job, but your overall well-being.
Why Reach Out Early?
Reaching out to us early on when you start to notice signs of sexual harassment is key. It allows us to help you address the behavior before it escalates and more deeply affects your work life and emotional well-being. Acting promptly is also vital because legal claims for harassment have strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations for reporting sexual harassment in the workplace is three years from the date of the last incident of harassment. By contacting us sooner rather than later, you not only stand a better chance of resolving your own situation favorably but also contribute to creating a safer and more respectful work environment for everyone. We’re here to help you take that step as soon as you’re ready.
Taking the Next Step
Feeling overwhelmed is natural, but you’re not alone. At Moore Ruddell LLP, we believe everyone deserves a safe and respectful workplace. If you’re experiencing harassment, let’s talk about how we can help.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation, because peace of mind at work isn’t just a privilege—it’s your right.
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