Why Choose Us Over Other Workplace Harassment Lawyers in San Diego?
For over 30 years, Eugene Bruno has been getting justice for San Diego clients. With respect and compassion, our San Diego employment law lawyers will seek maximum compensation for the harassment you have suffered.
Eugene Bruno & Associates | Workplace Harassment Law Firm Serving San Diego
- Our law firm offers a free initial case consultation.
- Our law firm has a 99.7% success rate, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
- Our attorneys have over 85 years of combined legal experience.
- Firm founder and lead attorney Eugene Bruno is part of National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Do You Have an Employer Harassment Claim?
California employment law offers robust protections against workplace harassment. This includes laws that address sexual harassment, unwanted physical touch, and other hostile behaviors.
When you meet with Eugene Bruno & Associates for your free consultation, we’ll listen to your story and go over your options for moving forward with your claim.
Discuss your case with Eugene Bruno & Associates by calling 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688).
I fight to level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies that routinely deny claims or make ‘low ball’ settlement offers. I am tough, battle tested, and trusted.” – Amir M. Shoar
Types of Workplace Harassment
California and federal labor laws offer legal protection to employees who are forced to endure workplace harassment. Workplace harassment is any unwanted behavior that makes an employee feel uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe at work. Victims are often targeted based on personal characteristics, such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
Harassment differs from general workplace conflicts because it creates a hostile work environment, where the environment becomes intimidating, hostile, or offensive due to harassment. More specifically, in a hostile work environment, you can be harmed even when the harassment isn’t directed at you. These behaviors can interfere with your work performance, creating an unwelcoming setting.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Unwanted physical touching—any physical contact that makes you uncomfortable or is unwelcome—is a blatant violation of personal liberty. Examples can range from a shoulder pat to more invasive touching.
Experiencing unwanted touching can be distressing and could make you feel unsafe at work. Documenting each occurrence with details of dates and individuals involved is important. Reach out to HR or a legal advisor to report such behavior, as reporting these issues gives the employer an opportunity to address the problem so they can maintain a safe work environment.
Offensive jokes are another form of harassment that can contribute to a hostile workplace. This may involve inappropriate humor related to race, gender, or sexuality. Also, sharing or distributing inappropriate images digitally, passing them around, or displaying the images in the workspace fall under sexual harassment.
Additional forms of sexual harassment may include:
- Asking questions of a sexual nature
- Disparaging remarks about a person’s gender, gender identity, or sexual preference
- Commenting on someone’s appearance, body, or clothes
- Sexually suggestive comments
- Sexually demeaning comments
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Unwanted touching
What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Quid pro quo harassment involves exchanges where job benefits—such as promotions, salary increases, or job security—are offered in return for sexual favors. This can also include threats to penalize an employee who refuses to provide sexual favors. These threats may include demotions, poor performance reviews, or the loss of employment.
If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to document conversations and any evidence of the claim. Quid pro quo sexual harassment is unacceptable, and companies must have policies to address such behavior. For example, HR departments are responsible for enforcing instances of quid pro quo harassment. If this is an issue in your work environment, contact a San Diego workplace harassment attorney right away.
Cyberbullying
In today’s digital age, cyberbullying has emerged as a serious workplace problem. Cyberbullying involves using technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone. Additional actions that fall under this category include sending threatening emails, posting inappropriate comments on social media, or isolating someone digitally.
Online harassment can be just as harmful as face-to-face confrontations, affecting mental well-being and job performance. Document any cyberbullying incidents with screenshots and timestamps, report the behavior to your employer, and consult with a San Diego labor law attorney as soon as possible.
Harassment Based on Protected Characteristics
Protected characteristics are specific personal attributes that are shielded from discrimination by California labor laws. This includes race, age, disability, religion, national origin, and other personal attributes. Unfortunately, a significant portion of workplace harassment is based on the victim’s sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. This may include jokes, derogatory comments, or exclusion from workplace activities.
Employment laws protect these characteristics to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at work. Recognizing protected characteristics is fundamental for creating a safe and equitable workplace. Employers must integrate this recognition into their policies and training programs so members of protected classes aren’t subject to workplace harassment.
What Damages Can You Recover for a Workplace Harassment Case in California?
In California, victims of workplace harassment may seek several types of damages, including:
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to harassment.
- Back pay: Wages owed for the time missed from work.
- Emotional stress: Compensation for mental suffering and distress.
Recovering lost wages is a major aspect of workplace harassment claims. Victims can claim wages lost due to missed work days. They may also recover lost benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions. This compensation helps restore financial stability as you move forward with your life.
Damages for pain and suffering address the emotional and mental distress caused by harassment, such as anxiety or depression. A qualified San Diego workplace harassment lawyer will help you quantify these damages so you can seek fair compensation.
Common Scenarios of Harassment in the Workplace
In the workplace, harassment can occur in various forms and settings. Common scenarios include unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate jokes, or derogatory comments about one’s appearance or abilities.
Each of these scenarios below can significantly impact an employee’s mental health and job satisfaction:
- Sexual comments or innuendos
- Racial jokes or slurs
- Bullying or intimidation tactics
What Are My Legal Rights as an Employee in California?
Every employee has the right to work in an environment free from harassment, and California law requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment.
If harassment occurs, employees can file complaints with their employer or relevant authorities such as the EEOC. Employers are obligated to investigate and address these complaints promptly.
But understanding your rights can help you feel more secure about reporting harassment incidents and seeking justice. For example, California employees have the right to:
- A harassment-free workplace
- Protection against discrimination
- Safeguards against retaliation
- File a complaint
- Receive a thorough investigation
- Personal privacy during the complaint process
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides broad protections against harassment. However, if you’ve experienced retaliation for reporting harassment, seeking legal guidance as an employee can help.
Employee rights in California are still comprehensive, and a credible law firm like Eugene Bruno & Associates can provide necessary legal support.
How a San Diego Workplace Harassment Attorney Can Help
Our labor law attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates offer legal advice and explain complex laws in terms you will understand. We also take care of the necessary paperwork for filing complaints, and we will stand by your side until your case is resolved.
We know this is a difficult time for you, and that’s why we offer emotional support and reassurance, make sure your rights are protected, and seek justice by getting you fair compensation for the harm you have suffered.
We provide these services to clients who have suffered workplace harassment:
- Free consultation
- Investigation
- Negotiation
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
Free Consultation
This meeting provides an opportunity for you to get to know us better so you can decide if we’re the right workplace harassment law firm for you. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions, review your case, go over the harassment claims process, and discuss your options for pursuing compensation.
Investigation
Eugene Bruno & Associates will collect the following types of evidence to support and strengthen your claim:
- Emails, texts, and written communication
- Company policies and internal documents
- Medical records
- Performance records
- Physical evidence
- Previous complaints against the company
- Witness statements from colleagues and supervisors
Negotiations
Eugene Bruno & Associates will present your employers with a well-researched claim that carefully lays out the harm you have experienced and the damages you are seeking. This process requires persistence and deep knowledge of employment law.
Trial
If the other side refuses to take your claim seriously, or if they fail to make a reasonable settlement offer, Eugene Bruno & Associates is always prepared to take your case to trial. There, a judge or jury will decide on an appropriate resolution of your case.
Call Eugene Bruno & Associates to Schedule a FREE Consultation Today | 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688).
Don’t Wait: The California Statute of Limitations for Workplace Harassment
You have one to three years to file a harassment claim in California. This timeline emphasizes the importance of taking prompt action. If this window is missed, it may be challenging to pursue legal action against the accused. As soon as you contact a workplace harassment attorney, we can begin investigating your claim, protecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
Truly Awesome to Work With
Eugene Bruno & Associates are truly awesome to work with! The entire [staff] is exceptionally nice and approachable, making the legal process much less stressful. Their friendly and supportive nature […] makes the experience all-around positive. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking top-notch legal assistance!
– Jaclyn Osborne (5-Star Google Review)
Incredibly Helpful with My Case
Eugene Bruno & Associates has been incredibly helpful with my case. Their […] support made the whole process a lot easier. Highly recommend them for anyone in need of a great law firm.
– Joshua Lopez (5-Star Google Review)
Their Professionalism […] and Personalized Approach are Unmatched
I highly recommend [Eugene Bruno & Associates]. Their professionalism […] and personalized approach are unmatched. Eugene’s deep knowledge, strategic guidance, and seamless communication made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The [firm’s] dedication, innovative solutions, and attention to detail exceeded my expectations. Their client-focused approach made me feel valued. Outstanding service all around. Thank you, [Eugene Bruno & Associates]!
– Nicholas Salman (5-Star Google Review)
Other Locations We Serve Near San Diego
- Carlsbad
- Chula Vista
- Clairemont
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Mission Valley
- Oceanside
Find Out How We Can Help!
If you may have experienced workplace harassment as a California employee, Eugene Bruno & Associates would be happy to answer your questions. Call us at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation with our lawyers.
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