SKIP TO CONTENT
There are federal and state laws that make harassment in the workplace illegal. Harassment in the workplace is defined as unwelcome behavior or policies on the basis of age, ancestry, national origin, race, color, religion, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, military status, and other protected characteristics.
Sexual harassment is a type of harassment defined as unwelcomed sexual advances, requests, comments, or other behavior that is sexual in nature. The two can be easily confused as harassment doesn’t need to be sexual to be illegal, though when we hear about harassment at work, we often think of it as sexual harassment between a man and a woman. While that might be a common scenario, it is definitely not the only type.
Examples of Harassment
Scenarios in which an employee experiences harassment can happen many times over and over, building to a point where the employee has “had enough” and begins to search for legal assistance, or it can be one defining event. A floor supervisor who jokes and comments about your religious beliefs during every shift and your co-worker bartender who had too much to drink and left you an inappropriate voicemail are both examples of harassment. In both examples, the employees should consult with an experienced California harassment lawyer.
Some common types of harassment include (and note this is not a comprehensive list):
- Refusal to provide reasonable accommodations to an individual with a disability or the denial of religious accommodations
- Derogatory comments or jokes about an individual’s age, race, gender, color, etc.
- Bullying intended to intimidate, humiliate, or otherwise harm an individual
- Use of racial slurs, derogatory comments, and racially motivated threats or intimidation
- Unwanted sexual advances – touching, groping, and sexual assault
As a general rule of thumb, you should consult with an attorney if you feel uncomfortable in a situation at work.
An Experienced Lawyer Matters in Workplace Harassment Claims
Allegations of harassment can quickly become a source of intense emotions for both the employees and the employers involved. Employees often feel violated, embarrassed, and angry. The experience often has a negative impact on their mental and emotional well-being. On the other hand, employers may feel that they are under attack and unjustly accused of wrongdoing, which can harm their reputation and standing in the community. A volatile mix of emotions can create a challenging and complex legal environment requiring a skilled and experienced approach to navigate. Attorney Blake Jones is taken seriously in this industry. He has been doing employment work for more than 20 years. He excels at putting his clients at ease and holding employers accountable for any and all violations of your rights.
Get a Free, Confidential Consultation
It is important for you to feel safe coming forward with your harassment claim. At Blake Jones Law PC, your consultation is free and confidential. You can trust us with your legal matter – call today to learn more about your rights.