When it comes to sexual harassment claims in California, there are a few factors that could make or break your lawsuit. Even if you have evidence that the harassment occurred, you might find out too late that your case isn’t viable. Here’s what you should keep in mind if you’re thinking about launching a sexual harassment case.
What people need to know about sexual harassment in the workplace
Many people don’t realize that if they quit their jobs, they may not be able to file sexual harassment suits. Since you’re no longer an employee of the company, its policies on sexual harassment may no longer apply to you. Don’t quit your job until your attorney tells you it’s safe to do so.
If you’re worried about losing your job when you file a lawsuit, you should be aware that the law prohibits employers from retaliating against their employees. Firing or harassing you or creating a hostile work environment are all forms of retaliation. If your company fires you for filing a claim, you may be able to sue for wrongful termination.
You should also be aware that you may not be able to file a lawsuit over a single incident unless it was something extreme. To increase your chances of success, you’ll need to gather evidence over a period of weeks or months to show that the behavior wasn’t an isolated incident. Otherwise, the other side may argue that it was just a misunderstanding.
How can you increase your chances of filing a successful lawsuit?
If you’re representing yourself in court, it’s easy to make mistakes without even realizing it. An attorney could help you make smart decisions from the very beginning, increasing your odds of winning your case and obtaining a fair settlement.