Burbank Hostile Work Environment Lawyer

No employee, regardless of race, gender, religion, or age, should ever have to endure a hostile work environment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you are having problems at work, you may need the help of a Burbank hostile work environment lawyer.

You have a legal right to fair treatment in the workplace, and Maralle Messrelian at MM Law can work to assert those rights. We have extensive experience in providing clients with compassionate representation during difficult times. Our focus is on our clients and their unique needs throughout their case.

What Qualifies as a Hostile Work Environment in California?

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination, including workplace harassment. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits harassment associated with a protected class. Protected characteristics include:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Age discrimination
• Physical or mental disability
• National origin
• Sex
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Marital status
• Gender identity
• Miliary or veteran status

A hostile work environment is defined as one where discrimination or harassment takes place based on protected characteristics or a protected class. It can include inappropriate behavior, bullying, or the use of offensive language, along with other types of mistreatment. One study showed that over 50% of employees have experienced or witnessed unethical, inappropriate, or illegal behaviors at work. It also found that 80% of harassment claims originate from office locations.

Not all challenging or unpleasant work environments meet the legal definition of a hostile environment. Unwanted and inappropriate actions must be severe or pervasive to meet the legal definition of hostile.

Steps to Take If You Experience a Hostile Work Environment

If you are experiencing a hostile work environment, there are a few steps you can take to attempt to rectify the situation. You can start by talking to your company’s human resources department and filing a complaint. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. The CRD has an office in Los Angeles.

Consulting an experienced attorney about your hostile work environment case is also recommended. They can guide you through the process and determine if you should pursue legal action against your employer or the person creating the hostile work environment.

Challenges in a Hostile Work Environment Claim

Some challenges that you might face when reporting or filing a claim for a hostile work environment may include:

• Difficulty providing proof that the behavior happened
• Concerns about being a troublemaker at work
• Concerns about retaliation
• Possible lack of support at work

An attorney can address many of these concerns. They can also explain the benefits and drawbacks of filing a claim against your employer.

Recoverable Damages in a Hostile Work Environment Claim

Having a hostile work environment can have a significant impact on an employee’s physical and mental well-being, production, and quality of life. If the environment or harassment is severe enough to seek legal action, they could pursue compensation that covers:

• Economic losses, such as lost wages and benefits, if the environment caused them to miss work or take unpaid leave
• Future lost wages if their career is negatively impacted
• Emotional distress if they suffer anxiety or depression because of their work environment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages if the employer’s conduct is found to be extremely malicious or reckless
• Legal fees

Hire a Hostile Work Environment Lawyer

If you’re dealing with a hostile work environment, it can be difficult to know if you have a hostile work environment case. If so, you can hire a hostile work environment lawyer to determine if you have grounds for filing a claim. A good attorney can listen to your situation, ask questions, and explain how the law applies.

If you have a case, they can help you organize documentation, handle communication with your employer, and file a complaint with the relevant agency, such as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

FAQs

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for a Hostile Work Environment in Burbank, CA?

You need an employment lawyer if you are experiencing a hostile work environment in Burbank, CA. They are familiar with hostile work environment laws, and they have experience with employee rights, workplace discrimination, and negotiating settlements. Contact an attorney if you have reported harassment to your HR department and they have not taken appropriate action.

Is It Worth It to File a Claim for a Hostile Work Environment?

If you may have been mistreated at work, it may be worth it to consult a Burbank hostile work environment attorney. If your case meets the criteria for a hostile work environment, it is most likely worth it to file a claim, as you may be eligible to recover damages.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Hostile Work Environment?

The evidence needed to prove a hostile work environment depends on the circumstances of the harassment. Evidence can be documentation of harassment incidents, such as text messages or emails. Evidence that you reported the issue to your boss or management and they failed to take adequate disciplinary action is also necessary.

What Is the Average Settlement in a Hostile Work Environment Claim?

The amount of a settlement or damages awarded in a hostile work environment claim depends on the circumstances and the strength of the case. The settlement amount is based on the severity of the harassment and its duration. Long-term harassment may increase the amount of compensation. Other factors, such as the employer’s response and the strength of the evidence, may also impact compensation.

Contact a Hostile Work Environment Lawyer

Navigating a workplace environment that is hostile can be extremely challenging, and you should never have to face one alone. Contact the team at MM Law to learn what your rights are and see if you have grounds for a legal claim. We understand how difficult this type of situation can be, but we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.