Holding Employers Accountable For Their Wrongful Acts

Standing Up To Sexual Harassment In California Workplaces

Sexual harassment is an ongoing problem in many workplaces across California. It includes a broad range of inappropriate and offensive conduct. If you have been sexually harassed at work, a sexual harassment lawyer can help you evaluate your claims and speak up against unfair treatment. If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, you deserve legal representation.

My name is Mazen Khatib, and I am an employment law attorney in Ontario. I have dedicated my legal career and my practice, Khatib Law, APC, to holding California employers accountable for wrongdoing, including workplace harassment and quid pro quo sexual harassment. I help employees in Ontario and the surrounding communities seek compensation for their injury, pain and suffering.

Understanding Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

Sexual harassment is often swept under the rug and minimized as normal workplace banter. In reality, it can cause tremendous suffering, humiliation and trauma. Sexual harassment includes behaviors such as:

Touching or grabbing without consent
Staring and leering
Obscene sexual expressions or gestures
Whistling or catcalls
Sexual assault or attempted rape
Gender discrimination and other forms of discrimination
Sexual innuendos or comments
Pestering you to go out on dates
Requests for sexual favors
Personal questioning about a worker’s private life or body
Excessive familiarity such as deliberately brushing up against a worker
Sexual teasing, insults, taunts or inappropriate jokes
Sexually explicit pictures, emails, posters or text messages

A pattern of sexual harassment can create a toxic and hostile work environment. I can help you navigate your options for addressing sexual harassment at work.

Compiling Evidence To Support A Sexual Harassment Claim

To build a strong sexual harassment claim, you will want to gather as much relevant evidence as possible. A lot of sexual harassment behaviors are subtle, and if you are being sexually harassed at work, the idea of obtaining some sort of documentation can seem overwhelming. It can feel like you don’t have enough to build a case. But there are many different types of evidence that can support your potential claim. Evidence can include:

Direct evidence: Direct evidence, such as emails, text messages, or notes documenting the harassment, is always helpful, but not always easy to get.
Witnesses: Witnesses can also provide valuable testimony. If others saw or heard the harassment, their accounts can support your claim.
Journal entries: Keep notes and records of the harassment by writing down the incidents. Include the date, time and specific details of each incident.
Records: If you reported the harassment, provide copies of those reports.

Additionally, any evidence showing how the harassment affected your work performance or emotional well-being can strengthen your case. As your employment law attorney, I will listen to your story and help you assess all available evidence to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Is Personal Testimony Enough To Pursue A Sexual Harassment Claim?

Your personal account of what happened is essential because you experienced the harassment firsthand. Of course, the more evidence you have, the more support you will have for your side of the story. Clients often have more evidence than they realize. Supporting evidence can include emails, text messages or witness statements. If you told friends, family or coworkers about the harassment at the time it occurred, their testimony can corroborate your account.

Understanding The Standard Of Proof In Civil Cases

In civil cases, such as sexual harassment lawsuits, the standard of proof is a preponderance of the evidence. This means you must show that it is more likely than not that the harassment occurred. In other words, the evidence supporting your claim must be more convincing than the evidence against it.

This standard is different from the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in criminal cases, which is a much higher bar. To meet a preponderance of the evidence, you need to present enough evidence to convince the judge or jury that your version of events is probably true. As an experienced employment law attorney, I can help you present the most compelling evidence possible to meet this standard.

An Experienced Employment Law Attorney Who Will Fight For Your Rights

When you work with me, you can rest assured that I will take your case seriously. I will take a close look at all the facts and evidence in your case to identify all instances of sexual harassment. By providing guidance on your options, I can help you understand your potential next steps.

Whether you decide to pursue reinstatement, a lawsuit or other legal action, I am here for you. I will walk you through what to expect. I can take your case to court if needed. I won’t stop until I have obtained a positive outcome for you, whether a successful settlement or a jury verdict in your favor.

Consult A Sexual Harassment Lawyer For Free

Everyone deserves a safe and secure workplace where they can focus on their jobs. If sexual harassment has impacted your work life, reach out to me for help. At Khatib Law, APC, I offer free consultations and case evaluations. To schedule your free appointment, send me a message through my website. You can all call me at 909-729-3171. In addition to offering free consultations, I don’t charge fees unless I obtain compensation for you.