The law prohibits employers from allowing or creating a hostile, offensive, or abusive work environment that targets a protected characteristic, such as race, age, gender, sexual orientation, and more. Supervisors, co-workers, and even non-employees can create a hostile work environment. Employees who are victims of harassment that is derived from discrimination against a protected class may have a hostile work environment claim against their employer.
Examples of behaviors that can create a hostile work environment include verbal abuse, derogatory slurs, offensive jokes, discriminatory remarks, sexual advances, unwelcome touching, circulating rumors, and intimidating behaviors such as threats. This is not a complete list of all conduct that can result in a hostile work environment. It is important to speak with an attorney to evaluate your case. Some situations may create more liability for the employer than just a hostile work environment claim. For example, unwanted sexual advances or offensive jokes could give rise to both a sexual harassment claim and a hostile work environment claim. An experienced Los Angeles employment law attorney can help make sure all your claims are addressed appropriately and to the fullest extent.
Why Choose Us?
Sparrow Law Group is experienced in all aspects of California employment law, and we treat every client like family. We will get to know you and your case so that we can put together a winning strategy that is tailored specifically for you and your situation. Our attorneys have experience on both sides of these cases, so they are adept at anticipating and countering the defenses that may be presented. If you don’t want to feel like just another case number, then reach out to a skilled discrimination litigator Sparrow Law Group today to let us go to work for you.
Proving A Hostile Work Environment
When you bring an action against your employer for a hostile work environment, the burden of proof is on you to prove that those conditions existed. So, how do you do that? First and foremost, you need to keep a log with detailed notes about each instance that occurred. Document the date and time of the incident, who was involved, the names of any potential witnesses, and notes about how the incident affected your job performance.
In addition to your own notes, you should keep all potential evidence that you might need later. This might include texts, emails, or voicemails that prove the alleged abuse, internal memos or letters that document or corroborate your side of the story, and names and contact information of potential witnesses. Additionally, be sure to save any responses from your employer’s Human Resources department. These responses can be especially helpful if they prove that the employer did not take your complaints seriously. The more evidence you have, the more likely you are to be successful with your claim.
Penalties For Hostile Work Environment Claims
The penalties an employer may face for a hostile work environment claim range from injunctive relief to monetary damages. This means that an employer may be ordered by the court to cease the behavior that is causing the hostile work environment. According to the U.S. Courts, victims of hostile work environments may be entitled to compensation, including lost wages or back pay plus interest, emotional distress, attorney’s fees, and even punitive damages.
Schedule A Free Consultation
If you feel you have been subjected to a hostile work environment, contact Sparrow Law Group for a free confidential case evaluation. Contact us online or call us at (310) 708-6439. Victims of hostile work environments have a limited amount of time to file a claim, so contacting an attorney as soon as possible is crucial. Our team is ready to get started on your case right away, and we will be by your side throughout the whole process.