As an employee, you\’ve probably been educated on your company\’s policy against sexual harassment. But when a situation arises that makes you feel uncomfortable, you may find yourself unclear on whether it constitutes sexual harassment or not. This is the time to consult a sexual harassment attorney who will help you to make that determination.

In short, when anything of a sexual nature occurs in the workplace which makes you feel uncomfortable, you may have a case. Your offense must be shown to be reasonable in order to hold up as a claim. There is no standard definition for reasonable and the determination will ultimately be made by the courts. Sexual harassment occurs outside of the workplace, too, such as in a health care setting (including mental health providers), school, at a financial service provider, or involving property management.

These sexual circumstances may include sexual advances, requests, inappropriate touching, and the requiring of sexual favors to achieve some benefit, such as a raise. In addition, the displaying of pictures, telling jokes of a sexual nature, and persistent requests for a date despite repeatedly being told no have been ruled as sexual harassment in California courts.

If you find yourself in a situation that you think might fit the criteria for sexual harassment in the workplace, you must notify your human resources department. They are then responsible for seeing that the situation is remedied. In fact, if you have not reported anything to your employer, you may not yet have legal basis for a claim, unless the harassment can be proved to have been practiced openly.

If you have reported your concerns to your human resources department and the situation has not improved, you may have a claim against your employer. This is because once sexual harassment becomes known, if the company does nothing to shut it down, they\’ve become culpable.

All complaints, even those that seem trivial on the surface, must be thoroughly investigated and documented. This must take place within no more than a few days of the complaint being lodged, though courts understand that a complainant might take some time to muster the courage to complain. A company cannot respond by transferring the complainant away from the accused harasser, especially if the new position represents a demotion. The accused, however, may be transferred, suspended, or terminated as a result of the complaint.

If you win your case, you could receive lost wages (if any), future lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Your attorney\’s fees will usually also be covered under the terms of the settlement, so don\’t let worries about the cost prevent you from seeking the legal help that you need when you are faced with sexual harassment.

Your sexual harassment attorney will be able to determine if you have a legitimate case. If so, he or she may be able to negotiate with your employer for an out-of-court settlement. Many companies are willing to settle to protect their own reputations.

Are you looking for more information regarding Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney? Visit http://www.shegerianlaw.com today!

Are you looking for more information regarding Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney? Visit http://www.shegerianlaw.com today!

Author Bio: Are you looking for more information regarding Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney? Visit http://www.shegerianlaw.com today!

Category: Legal
Keywords: sexual harassment,sexual harassment attorney,sexual harassment occurs