San Francisco Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Going to work should not be accompanied by fear, dread, or anxiety due to workplace sexual harassment. There are several state and federal laws that protect workers from sexual harassment, abuse, and discrimination. If you are a victim of workplace sexual harassment in San Francisco, you have rights. The San Francisco sexual harassment attorneys at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi can help you protect them with exceptional legal representation during a sexual harassment claim in California. Request your free case consultation today by calling (855) 934-0468

Why Trust Us With Your Case?

  • We are America’s leading sexual harassment and abuse law firm. Attorney John C. Manly has been successfully helping workplace sexual harassment victims for over 20 years. 
  • Our San Francisco sexual harassment attorneys have achieved groundbreaking results for past clients. We have obtained over $1.5 billion in global settlements and judgment awards.
  • We stand with victims of workplace sexual harassment and other sex crimes. Our lawyers are passionate about their work and will be there for you every step of the way.

What Is the Definition of Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Workplace sexual harassment is defined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as harassing a person due to that person’s sex. It can refer to any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances and behaviors of a sexual nature, as well as nonsexual forms of harassment, such as making offensive comments about men or women in general. Sexual harassment can occur against a person of either sex and be committed by a boss, employer, manager, supervisor, coworker, customer or anyone else at work. The victim and harasser can be the same sex or opposite sexes.

What Are Examples of Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment in a work environment is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law bans any harassing, intimidating, abusive or discriminatory behaviors against a person on the basis of sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions. Taking any type of adverse employment action against an individual based on his or her sex is also sexual harassment.

Common examples of workplace sexual harassment are:

  • Crude or sexually inappropriate jokes and remarks
  • Discharging someone on the basis of sex
  • Internet sex crimes or cyberbullying in San Francisco
  • Offensive sexual slurs or verbal assaults
  • Posting sexually explicit materials around the office
  • Refusing to hire someone on the basis of sex
  • Sexual gestures or expressions
  • Sexual hazing against new employees
  • Sexual touching or invasions of personal space
  • Sexually abusing or sexually assaulting a worker
  • Threatening adverse employment action for not agreeing to sexual requests
  • Unsolicited sexual texts, emails or letters
  • Unwelcome sexual advances 

Although offhand remarks or simple teasing are not against the law, quid pro quo harassment and creating a hostile work environment are prohibited. Quid pro quo refers to “this for that” sexual harassment, such as requesting sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits. A hostile work environment is a workplace that feels unsafe, threatening, unwelcoming or unproductive for an employee due to a pattern of sexual harassment.

What to Do if You Face Sexual Harassment at Work in San Francisco

If you experience sexual harassment, assault or abuse in your workplace in San Francisco, respond by attempting to resolve the issue with the harasser first. If you feel safe enough to do so, confront the harasser about his or her behaviors. It is possible that the harasser does not realize he or she is in the wrong. If this doesn’t help, go to your manager or human resources department to report the perpetrator.  

Start documenting the sexual harassment. Write down a detailed description of each event, along with the people who were present at the time. If you reported sexual harassment to a supervisor, write down whom you spoke to and how they responded. If your employer fails to remedy the situation in a prompt and effective manner, take the next step by filing a complaint with the EEOC. You can also turn to the California Civil Rights Department to file a complaint regarding harassment or discrimination. These organizations will investigate the issue and may take action to resolve the problem.

Who Is Liable for Workplace Sexual Harassment in San Francisco?

It is possible to hold an employer or company liable (legally and financially responsible) for workplace sexual harassment in California. Employers are responsible for the actions committed by their employees while they are on duty, under the rule of vicarious liability. If someone hired by the company sexually harasses another worker, the company could face legal action. It may also be possible to hold a company liable for its own participation in sexual harassment or assault. If a company failed to take suitable action against a harasser after receiving an initial complaint, for example, it could be held accountable for subsequent harm done to the victim.

Compensation Available for Workplace Sexual Harassment Victims

Workplace sexual harassment can have a major effect not only on a victim’s career and work life but personal well-being. Being sexually harassed or abused at work can cause chronic anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, fear, shame, guilt and physical harm. A victim may require therapy and medical care in addition to losing money from being unable to work.

 Filing a workplace sexual harassment civil claim or lawsuit in San Francisco could compensate a victim for many losses, including:

  • Past and future related medical bills
  • Therapy and counseling costs
  • Prescription medications 
  • Lost wages and earning opportunities
  • Lost future capacity to earn
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Legal costs and attorney’s fees
  • Travel or transportation
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Punitive damages, in some cases

 Filing a lawsuit for workplace sexual harassment can provide a victim with financial compensation and justice. It can close a difficult and often traumatic chapter in the victim’s life, as well as shed light on companies and individuals who are guilty of workplace sexual harassment. To find out if you have a case and discuss its potential value, contact an attorney at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi. 

Contact Our San Francisco Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys Today

Our law firm is passionate about pursuing the best possible case results for victims of workplace sexual harassment, discrimination, abuse and assault in San Francisco. We have a reputation for taking on the toughest and most complicated cases, as well as going up against powerful adversaries in California and winning. We can help you take legal action if you have suffered sexual harassment of any kind at work. Learn more during a free and confidential case review when you contact us.