If you have been subjected to harsh or crude jokes at work, you may have faced workplace harassment. Learning this may make you feel overwhelmed, angry, stressed, or otherwise unpleasant. However, it is necessary to know that helpful information is available to you. Where is the line drawn on joking and harassment? Is there a legal definition for harassment you can refer to? Should you consider hiring a California employment lawyer?
Blackstone Law knows your questions should be treated with care and given detailed answers, and we may be able to help. Our employment legal team has the experience necessary to represent clients of all types. We stand solidly against workplace harassment, and we have the strategies and resources needed to support you as well.
Legal Definition: What Is Harassment in California?
Legally speaking, harassment occurs when Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is violated. These detail which characteristics are protected during employment-related matters. For the most part, a person faces harassment when they are discriminated against for identifying or presenting as one of these protected characteristics.
If you are the subject of a joke, the joke may constitute harassment if a protected characteristic is targeted. This may also be referred to as discrimination. The protected characteristics include the following:
- Race
- Color
- Ethnicity
- Sex, including pregnancy
- Gender identity
- Religion
- National origin
- Age
- Disability
- Genetic information
Depending on the circumstances, a person who feels offended by the implications of a joke may actually be subjected to harassment. For more information, we recommend speaking with a California employment lawyer.
Should You Hire a California Employment Lawyer?
If you have been subjected to harassment in the workplace, you may want to hire a California employment lawyer. Your attorney may be able to assist you in several ways, including offering the following:
- Legal knowledge
- Negotiation tactics
- Handling other legal representation
- File and complete necessary paperwork
- Refer you to helpful professionals
- Provide you with useful information and resources
- Reduce stress
- Collect evidence
- Join or lead investigations
We strongly recommend you refrain from representing yourself during legal proceedings, as you may misrepresent your case and risk loss of compensation. Your lawyer is far more likely to accurately and favorably represent your case, winning you the compensation you rightfully deserve.
You should speak with and retain a lawyer as soon as possible, as this will likely improve your odds of success in legal proceedings. Sufficient time will likely help your lawyer find helpful information and evidence and construct strong arguments in your favor.
Experiencing Harassment at Work? Protect Yourself With Blackstone Law’s Employment Lawyers
If you have faced workplace harassment or discrimination, Blackstone Law may be able to help you with our helpful legal services. Our legal team has extensive experience in personal injury and employment law, and we have the resources and strategies necessary to find success for our clients. We pride ourselves on supporting our clients through every step of the legal process, and we hope to do the same for you.
To discuss your case details, express your concerns, and gain helpful information from our legal team, please do not hesitate to contact us now. This will likely improve the odds of success for your case, as your lawyer will have sufficient time to collect evidence and build strong arguments in your favor. You can get in touch with us by calling (310) 956-4054 or completing our contact form, whichever you prefer. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your case.