It is illegal for anyone to be punished for reporting instances of sexual harassment at their workplace. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated for reporting sexual harassment at work, our dedicated employment lawyers at Betts Law Group are here to help you. We can explain your rights, assess the strength of your case, and recommend the best steps to move forward.
With our experience in employment law, the Betts Law Group is committed to empowering you to seek justice and speak up. We understand the sensitivity of these issues and provide compassionate support, and we treat each client like family.
What Is Wrongful Termination in California?
Wrongful termination is when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason.
In California, employees are legally protected from retaliation for engaging in certain activities. If an employee is fired as retaliation for exercising these rights, they can pursue legal action against their employer.
There are many instances when your termination could be considered wrongful, including if the termination was due to:
- Discrimination based on race, religion, sex, disability, or country of origin
- A violation of state or federal labor laws
- Reporting harassment
- Refusal to perform an illegal or unsafe activity
California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning that employers can terminate their employees for almost any legal reason. The termination becomes wrongful if an employee’s civil rights are violated, which includes sexual harassment or discrimination.
Unfortunately, some employees that have experienced sexual harassment at work face retaliation from their employers for reporting instances of harassment to their superiors. This is considered wrongful termination and employees may be entitled to compensation.
Common Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace can come in many forms. Traditionally, workplace sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors (often in the form of quid pro quo), and other forms of verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
The increasing popularity of remote work has opened up a host of other ways for sexual harassment in the workplace to occur, including sending explicit messages, photos, or videos. These can be sent via email, text message, or social media.
As an employee, you have a right to a safe work environment free of harassment and other forms of discrimination.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated Due to Reporting Sexual Harassment
If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated from your position due to reporting sexual harassment, there are certain steps you should take.
- Documentation: It’s important for employees to gather and preserve evidence supporting their claim of wrongful termination. This may include performance evaluations, emails, text messages, social media posts, witness statements, and any relevant communications related to the termination.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Once you have been terminated, finding legal representation can be critical. An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your options and walk you through the process. The Betts Law Group has experience dealing with wrongful terminations and can help you explore your options.
How Can I Be Compensated After Being Wrongfully Terminated?
Your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment. If retaliation occurs, including if it results in termination, you may have additional claims under California law. Your employer is obligated to ensure a safe, harassment-free workplace.
If you have been wrongfully terminated after reporting sexual harassment, there are several ways that you may be awarded compensation, including:
- Wages
- Bonuses
- Stock options
- Profit sharing
- Vacation pay or other paid time off
It’s important to get legal representation as soon as your termination occurs in order to make sure you don’t lose any compensation that you are entitled to.
Contact Betts Law Group Today
Sexual harassment is something that no employee should endure, and reporting it to an employer should never result in termination. Knowing your rights and the proper steps to take is crucial for protection and justice. At Betts Law Group, we stand by you, providing support throughout this challenging journey, equipping you with the necessary tools and knowledge for the best possible outcome. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help you find your voice and navigate towards a resolution that upholds your rights.
Contact us today to see how we can help you navigate the challenging process of seeking justice for wrongful termination due to reporting sexual harassment.