Workers in Westwood and surrounding areas have the right to a safe and supportive work environment so they can successfully perform their duties. Even though various federal and California state laws are in place to protect workers from hostilities, they still often find themselves in harmful situations on the job. If you are being harassed, abused, or attacked at work, a Westwood hostile work environment lawyer from our firm can support you.
A “hostile work environment” is a legal phrase that refers to workplaces with instances of discrimination or harassment carried out in a severe or pervasive manner. These instances ultimately lead to an abusive work environment, where an employee is not able to properly do their job.
For workplace abuse to be considered a hostile work environment under California law, discriminatory or harassing behavior must be based on a protected class, such as gender, age, disability, race, etc. Furthermore, it must occur frequently, be clearly unwelcomed, and be severe enough that an employee feels uncomfortable.
Workplace harassment cases must also include a severe negative impact on an employee’s ability to carry out their work or lead to work environment conditions that a reasonable individual would consider hostile or intimidating.
Even though all instances of workplace discrimination or harassment are highly damaging and should not be tolerated, every situation may not constitute a legal claim for a hostile work environment. A compassionate and experienced employment lawyer from the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez can go over the details of your case with you to help you understand whether you have a valid claim.
If you are facing a hostile work environment, you are likely feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed. A compassionate and skilled employment lawyer from our firm is here to help you understand your rights as an employee and help you take the right steps to restore justice to the workplace. Specifically, we can help you by:
Our firm understands how challenging and damaging abuse, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace can be. Therefore, we are here to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to. We can provide you with the critical legal, logistical, and emotional support you need during this challenging time. Together, we can fight for more fair and dignified working conditions in Westwood.
A: For a work environment to be classified as hostile in California, the situation must meet various criteria. This includes the behavior not being welcomed by the worker, it being severe or reoccurring, and it being discriminatory on the basis of a protected characteristic. To understand whether your workplace situation constitutes a hostile work environment, you should contact a lawyer.
A: If you are facing a hostile work environment in California, it’s critical to thoroughly document all associated incidences. Take note of the date, time, place, and witnesses involved, as well as specific details of the behavior. Report the behavior according to company policy to HR or management, and keep written records of your notification and their response. Finally, contact an experienced employment lawyer who can protect your rights and interests.
A: A single incident in the workplace is typically not enough to constitute a hostile work environment in California. A particularly egregious incident, however, such as a verbal threat of physical violence or a physical attack, could be severe enough to legally establish a hostile environment. If you have experienced any kind of abuse in the workplace, it is crucial to contact a skilled lawyer who can help you understand your legal options.
A: No, it is against the law for your California lawyer to retaliate against you if you report behavior that constitutes a hostile work environment. If your employer has exhibited certain behavior, such as paying you less, assigning you fewer hours, demoting you, or firing you, it is considered retaliation and, therefore, against the law. If you have faced retaliation for reporting a hostile work environment, you likely now have two legal claims against both actions.
If you believe you are facing hostile working conditions in Westwood or surrounding areas, it is critical to secure compassionate and skilled legal support who can help you understand your rights and pursue your legal options. A Westwood hostile work environment lawyer from the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez is here to lend an empathetic ear, inform you of your rights, and implement an optimal legal plan to hold your employer accountable. Contact us today.