With the #metoo movement going strong in California, great strides are starting to be made towards ending sexual harassment in the workplace. As a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney office, we know that this type of behavior has become an accepted part of working in many industries, to the point that it needs to be controlled by law. While bringing attention to it by speaking out against it is important, real changes are necessary to eliminate sexual harassment moving forward. It now looks like the #metoo movement has finally started to achieve that goal through California legislature.
Multiple bills recently passed the legislature that is meant to eliminate the portions of employment contracts that make it hard for victims to come forward with their stories. One of these bills would prohibit forced arbitration agreements in sexual harassment cases, and another would ban non-disclosure agreements meant to keep settlements a secret. The statute of limitations in these cases would expand from one to three years and businesses wouldn’t be permitted to offer incentives or bonuses in exchange for signing a release of liability form. In addition, companies in almost every industry would be required to provide sexual harassment training. If they don’t comply, a victim can hire a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney and sue to cover their losses and emotional trauma.
While these bills have been approved by the California legislature, they have not yet been signed into law by the governor. However, victims everywhere are hopeful that these great steps towards ridding the workplace of sexual harassment will continue to be successful. Unfortunately, even if these bills become law, there will still be some who force unwanted contact onto their co-workers or subordinates, making them uncomfortable at best and traumatized at worst. Victims should know that they have rights. If you’ve been sexually harassed at work, you may be entitled to compensation from the company if they don’t properly regulate employee behavior.
California legislature is taking major steps to respond to sexual harassment issues in the workplace, but many victims are still being affected by the problem. If you’ve lost out on paychecks or other income due to harassment, you may be able to obtain compensation to cover your losses. You may also be eligible for a monetary award due to emotional stress or psychological issues caused by the harassment of a superior or co-worker. An experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney can help you determine how much your case is worth.
Being a victim of sexual harassment can make you feel helpless and dealing with a company that wants to brush it under the rug is even worse. If you find yourself in this terrible situation, call JML Law at 818-610-8800 for a free consultation. We’ll help you prove your worth to the company that wronged you and work to get you the compensation that you deserve.