Workplace Harassment

Employees spend much of their lives in the workplace, and while they are there should be able to do their jobs without fear of harassment or bullying by others. When employees are subject to verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation, it can take a significant toll on their mental, as well as physical health. Work is stressful enough, and any added harassment or bullying should not be tolerated. If you’ve been subject to a hostile work environment because of bullying or other such adverse acts, the Orange County workplace harassment attorneys at the Serendib Law Firm are here to help you determine your legal options. We are committed to ensuring employees have a safe workplace environment, free from mistreatment by supervisors, management, or coworkers. No one should have to feel harassed or bullied while just trying to do their jobs. If you have questions regarding your rights as an employee, please contact the Serendib Law Firm today to speak with an attorney.

“Bullying” in the workplace is generally defined as persistent mistreatment resulting in a negative health impact on an employee. Bullying can include an array of behaviors including:

• Berating
• Dismission of person’s work
• Exclusion from activities or meetings
• Intentional embarrassment
• Intimidations and threats

This persistent mistreatment can have a significant effect on the victim’s mental health, leading to depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Physical manifestations can also result which may include headaches, anxiety, ulcers and high blood pressure. Although “bullying” is not illegal under California law, these actions can rise to the level of workplace harassment or discrimination in many cases. If you feel you are being subject to excessive bullying or harassment, consulting an experienced workplace harassment lawyer in Orange County as soon as possible is important so you can take proper action.

When bullying in the workplace is motivated by an employee’s protected characteristic, it may rise to the level of illegal harassment under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Both the individual who is doing the bullying as well as an employer can be held liable for workplace harassment. The FEHA gives employees the right to be free from a hostile work environment. Hostile work environments are created when an employee has been subject to discriminatory insults, intimidation, or other actions that is severe enough to change the conditions of their employment, rendering them unable to perform their job. Many times, these claims arise out of sexual harassment at work, but under the FEHA, protected classes also include: age, color, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation. A qualified Southern California workplace harassment attorney can help you determine if your job has become a hostile work environment and what recourse you have against those responsible.

Although harassment claims are easier to show where a manager or supervisor is involved, there are instances where employers can be held accountable for harassment by other coworkers or even customers. In these cases, it must be shown that the employer knew about the harassment but failed to take proper measures to prevent it. As such, it is vital to report bullying when it occurs. If bullying actions rise to the level of harassment and create a hostile work environment, those who have been subject to that harassment might be entitled to damages. Compensation in these claims can include any back pay, front pay, and loss of benefits, as well as emotional distress damages.

When you are subject to workplace bullying and harassment, those who are responsible should be held liable. Employees are entitled to a safe workplace, and should not be subject to threats, ridicule, or intimidation when trying to do their jobs. The Orange County workplace harassment attorneys at the Serendib Law Firm are dedicated to making sure workers receive the support and legal guidance they need. Our firm offers comprehensive and compassionate legal representation for clients throughout Orange County as well as elsewhere in Southern California including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. If you need have been bullied or harassed at work and have questions regarding your legal rights, please call our office at 1-800-LAW-8225 (800-529-8825) or contact us online today.