Unlike working for a major retailer or some other big business, there are only so many government jobs to go around. As a result, many people are very excited when they score the opportunity to work for the City of Long Beach. They do everything they can to hold on to their newfound position, and those in power also take measures to protect their worker at all costs. This can lead to shielding workers from accountability when there is clear negligence or misconduct.
For example, there may be complaints of sexual harassment within a department of the City of Long Beach. Instead of investigating the allegations, the city may decide to fire the worker or move them to another, lower position. It’s possible they may transfer the worker to another location, but this is unlikely, as the goal is to “send a message,” and this is done by taking punitive measures, like termination and demotion.
Were you sexually harassed by a coworker or supervisor at your job with the City of Long Beach? If so, you should reach out to a workplace sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys of California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group are here to advise you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment refers to discrimination and other forms of mistreatment against someone based on sex, which is a protected category under state and federal labor laws. The treatment must be severe or pervasive, and it may or may not involve physical contact. It may have a basis in the need for sexual gratification, but this is not always the case, as it can simply be a method of harassing the employee.
Acts of sexual harassment is illegal under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and the federal government’s Civil Rights Act of 1964. As for what constitutes sexual harassment, it can take place in two forms:
- Hostile workplace / environment – where a workplace of hostility, intimidation, bullying, harassment, and other toxic behavior is created or allowed by the Long Beach city government.
- Quid pro quo harassment – A Latin term that means “this for that,” where an exchange of some sort is occurring between two people working for the same employer. Please note that the individuals must be of different levels / ranks, like a supervisor and a subordinate. Thus, the manager can hold control over the other one’s job status if they refuse to provide them with sexual favors or look the other way when they are sexually harassed. Those who are victims of quid pro quo harassment are threatened with adverse employment actions, like pay cuts, demotion, loss of benefits, and wrongful termination.
Our office has a team of legal experts that can help you with a wrongful termination claim or other employment rights violation lawsuits against the City of Long Beach. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are being sexually harassed at your job.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Harassment can be a subjective term based on someone’s comfort level, so it’s important to understand what sexual harassment means in a legal sense. Let’s take a look at some of the scenarios that constitute sexual harassment if you work for the City of Long Beach:
- You are subjected to inappropriate touching, even if it not explicit in nature. So, even if you not sexually groped of fondled, being held too long after a hug or the person brushing against you because they refused to move out of the way may be an act of sexual harassment.
- Your boss gave you gifts that were sexually inappropriate, or a coworker is allowed to have and display such objects in the workplace, even though it clearly makes people uncomfortable.
- You were sent sexual content like porn videos and nude photos, or emails and other communications of a sexual nature.
- A supervisor at work continues to hit on you, ask you out, and solicit you for sexual contact. Or, if the unwelcome behavior is coming from a colleague, your supervisor refuses to resolve the situation after you complain to them.
- You were sexually and/or physically assaulted for speaking out about the abuse, filing a complaint with the state labor board, etc.
If you would like more information on sexual harassment and your eligibility for a lawsuit, schedule a free case review with a Los Angeles City of Long Beach sexual harassment lawyer.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against City of Long Beach
If you are interested in suing the City of Long Beach for sexual harassment, evidence is the key, no matter what type of harassment you are subjected to. However, the type of evidence and how to obtain it are matters that can be challenging for the average worker. With that in mind, here are some tips that can be of help:
- Keep a written record of all incidents as they happen with details, like the date and time, location, and the names of the involved parties, including any witnesses. You can present this document as part of your complaint with Human Resources, but always keep multiple copies on different devices / locations for yourself.
- Though you may not want to, filing an HR complaint is first step when it comes to sexual harassment at your job. Otherwise, it’s unlikely that you have met the legal standard that’s required to file an employment agency claim or lawsuit. Be sure to keep notes of how the meeting went and copies of all communications regarding your complaint.
- Make sure that you are familiar with your employer’s sexual harassment policies, which are established according to state and federal laws. For example, if your workplace employs more than 50 people, supervisors must receive 2 hours of sexual harassment training by the employer.
- Aside from texts, emails, and other written communication, try to compile other evidence, like photos, screenshots, audio recordings, and video footage. This type of evidence will greatly enhance your claim and support the fact that you were sexually harassed over an extended period of time.
- It’s likely that your coworkers are aware of, witnessed, or suffered sexual harassment. Though some or most will refuse, try to obtain witness statements or see if they would be willing to speak to your lawyer.
- File a sexual harassment claim with either or both of these agencies: the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. We strongly recommend that you work with a City of Long Beach sexual harassment attorney, as you only have 6 months to file sexual harassment claims against a government entity.
A workplace sexual harassment lawyer is critical to your success, considering that these are the preliminary steps before you can file a lawsuit. The legal system is very difficult to navigate when it comes to sexual harassment and other abuse by employers. To hold the City of Long Beach accountable and obtain the compensation you deserve, reach out to us for advice and guidance.
What is the Value of a City of Long Beach Sexual Harassment Claim?
Sexual harassment claims against government entities often result in 6 to 7 figure settlements. Many of the claimants we represent receive $250,000 or more, though the actual value can vary significantly from one case to another. Factors like how long the harassment went on, its impact on your health, and whether you suffered direct monetary losses (being fired, for example) are just some of the issues that are relevant to your case value. In some instances, you may join with others to file a class action lawsuit against the same employer. The resulting settlement from a City of Long Beach sexual harassment class action lawsuit can reach the $5,000,000 mark and go all the into the 8-figure range.
The compensation you end up with includes payments for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other monetary damages. During a free consultation, we can go over these categories and other issues that have to do with your rights if you are being sexually harassed.
City of Long Beach Sexual Harassment Attorney in California
If you are searching for a Los Angeles lawyer that can represent you in a sexual harassment complaint against the City of Long Beach, look no further than Normandie Law Firm. We have a solid record of settlements and trial verdicts on behalf of those who are sexually harassed and assaulted at work, along with other abusive treatment by their employer.
We have a contingency fee policy that allows you to defer the cost of legal fees until your case is settled. Furthermore, you are not asked to pay for legal services if we fail to win your case, according of the terms of the Zero Fee Guarantee.
Our legal team looks forward to fighting for you and the justice you deserve. Please get in touch and learn about your rights and legal options from a sexual harassment lawsuit attorney.
