Why Choose Us Over Other Hostile Work Environment Lawyers in San Diego?
At Eugene Bruno & Associates, getting justice for our clients is what we do. For over 30 years, we’ve been helping people get the money they need to put their lives back together.
Eugene Bruno & Associates | Hostile Work Environment 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 a Hostile Work Environment Case?
If you feel anxious or stressed about going to work due to someone’s actions, it might be a sign of harassment.
Identifying workplace harassment involves recognizing specific behaviors that create feelings of fear and discomfort. For example, frequent insults, intimidation, and inappropriate jokes or comments are signs of a hostile work environment. Repeated unwanted advances or comments about your race, gender, or religion are also serious red flags.
If the harassment persists despite internal complaints, or if you’ve faced retaliation for reporting the problem, consult a San Diego hostile workplace lawyer. It’s also a good idea to seek legal advice if the harassment involves severe misconduct, such as physical threats or illegal discrimination.
When you meet with Eugene Bruno & Associates for your free consultation, we’ll advise you about the best way to move forward with your case. An attorney can also walk you through the process of filing a formal complaint or lawsuit.
Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) and speak with Eugene Bruno & Associates about your case.
What Damages Can You Recover for a Hostile Work Environment Case in California?
Damages is a legal term that refers to a monetary award given to the victim of a hostile work environment. The aim is to compensate you for the harm you have suffered. In California, damages for a hostile work environment case may include:
- Lost wages: Compensation for back pay or front pay if you were forced to leave your job.
- Emotional stress: Damages for mental anguish and emotional distress caused by harassment.
- Attorney fees: Reimbursement for legal expenses incurred during your case.
When calculating lost wages, your San Diego hostile work environment lawyer will consider factors like missed promotions and wage increases. These calculations should reflect the financial impact of the harassment on your career. Detailed financial records and specialist testimony can further support your claims for lost wages and benefits.
On the other hand, damages for emotional stress—such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues resulting from a hostile work environment—address the psychological impact of harassment. Assessments provided by mental health professionals can serve as evidence in your case and help your attorney calculate appropriate compensation.
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 Hostile Work Environment Cases
A hostile work environment is defined as unwelcome conduct that unreasonably interferes with an employee’s work performance or creates an intimidating or offensive atmosphere. This conduct can be verbal, physical, or visual.
Offensive behavior may include physically aggressive actions, such as getting too close to you, shouting, or not allowing you to respond to negative comments.
Discrimination
Workplace discrimination is when an employee is treated unfairly because of protected characteristics, such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, and other essential personal traits.
If you’re suffering from a hostile workplace associated with protected characteristics, the discrimination can be subtle. However, unwelcome conduct that includes inappropriate comments such as jokes or cruel remarks based on your personal attributes is a clear sign of discrimination.
Slurs and Epithets
Slurs and epithets are offensive words or phrases used to belittle individuals based on characteristics like race or gender. These terms create a toxic atmosphere and can affect an employee’s dignity and well-being. These remarks can be verbal or written.
It’s essential to address slurs and epithets, and employers must enforce strict policies against such language to maintain a respectful work environment.
Threats and Intimidation
Workplace threats can take many forms, from menacing comments to physical intimidation. These behaviors create fear and insecurity, affecting work performance and mental health.
Indirect threats might involve suggestive gestures or intimidating behavior. On the other hand, direct threats can include verbal threats of violence. Then, there are physical threats, which are a serious concern that may warrant alerting law enforcement officials. If you feel like you are in physical danger, you should also contact a lawyer right away.
Ridicule
Ridicule includes mocking or belittling comments. Addressing these behaviors starts with creating an environment where employees feel safe to report such incidents.
Offensive Objects or Pictures
Displaying offensive objects or pictures may contribute to a hostile atmosphere, especially when these items convey derogatory messages that target individuals or groups. Common examples include inappropriate posters or screensavers.
Supervisors must review workplace materials and seek input from employees to ensure that the workplace promotes inclusivity and adheres to company policies.
What Are My Legal Rights as a California Employee?
In California, employees benefit from robust rights and labor laws designed to protect against hostile work environments, prohibiting any form of discrimination and harassment due to race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics. These rights ensure that you can work in a safe and respectful atmosphere.
For example, all employees have the legal right to report harassment without fear of retaliation. The law also requires employers to investigate complaints promptly and take necessary action to address these complaints.
Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers must actively prevent and correct any discriminatory practices. This law applies to all businesses with five or more employees.
Federal laws also play a significant role in protecting California employees. Under Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, harassment becomes unlawful when it creates a work environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating or abusive. It is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which provides guidance and resources for affected employees.
How a San Diego Hostile Work Environment Attorney Can Help
The employment law attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates will inform you of your rights and guide you through the legal process. We’ll make sure your claim is properly filed, and we’ll represent you until your case is resolved. We provide the following services:
- Free consultation
- Investigate your claim
- File a complaint
- Negotiate settlement offers
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
Free Consultation
During this meeting, we’ll review your situation and tell you if you have a viable claim. We’ll be happy to answer any questions regarding employment law and how it applies to your case. It’s important to find an attorney you feel comfortable working with, so we hope that meeting with us will help you choose our law firm to handle your claim.
Investigating Your Claim
Eugene Bruno & Associates will gather the information we need to develop a robust and well-documented claim. Our lawyers will interview witnesses, gathering statements from colleagues and anyone else who observed the inappropriate behavior. We will also collect and review important documents, including company policies, training manuals, emails, previous complaints, and internal communications.
Filing a Formal Complaint
Filing a formal complaint is a structured process that requires attention to detail:
- Draft the complaint: Clearly outline the incident and its impact on your work environment.
- Submit to appropriate authorities: Depending on the case, this might involve internal HR departments or external legal bodies.
- Follow up: Maintain contact with the relevant authorities to track the progress of your complaint.
Negotiating Settlement Offers
Eugene Bruno & Associates will seek a fair resolution to your case by negotiation with your employer and their attorneys. A negotiated settlement can provide a quicker resolution, allowing both parties to move forward without going to trial. This process involves:
- Preparing evidence: Ensure all relevant documentation is in order.
- Discussing terms: Engage in discussions with the opposing party to reach an agreement.
- Reviewing settlement offers: To ensure they meet your needs.
Taking Your Case to Trial
If settlement negotiations fail to produce a favorable outcome, taking your case to trial may be necessary. A judge or jury will review the facts of your case and provide a legal verdict. During the trial, our attorneys will:
- Present evidence: Showcase the evidence to support your case.
- Cross-examine witnesses: Challenge the opposing party’s witnesses through questioning.
- Make closing arguments: Summarize the case and reinforce key points to the judge or jury.
Don’t Wait: The Statute of Limitations for a Hostile Work Environment Case in California
The statute of limitations defines the time frame for filing a legal claim. In California, there are specific deadlines for hostile work environment cases.
- FEHA claims must be filed within one year of the last incident.
- EEOC claims generally require filing within 180 days but may be extended to 300 days in some cases.
It’s important to contact a San Diego hostile work environment attorney right away so they can get the ball rolling on your case. Quick action makes it easier for us to collect and preserve important evidence and interview witnesses while memories of the events are still fresh.
Call Eugene Bruno & Associates at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to meet the filing deadline.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
I Got […] More than I Expected
I highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates. From day one, they were incredibly caring and always available to answer my questions. Amir, the lawyer I worked with, was fantastic and it was clear that he genuinely cared about his clients. They walked me through every step and made sure I understood what was happening. As a very anxious person, I appreciated how they kept me informed throughout the entire process. I got a settlement that was more than I expected. They kept me in the loop the whole time and really went above and beyond. They truly care about their clients and it shows.
– Sarah H (5-Star Google Review)
Prioritizes Client Care, Delivers Results, and Will Truly Work Until the Job Is Done
I had an outstanding experience, and I can’t recommend them enough! […] They demonstrated impeccable attention to detail, ensuring that nothing was overlooked, which is something I was worried about because you never know! […] If you’re looking for a law firm that prioritizes client care, delivers results, and will truly work until the job is done no matter how late on a Friday it is before a holiday weekend, this is the firm for you.
– Alysse Asaro (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 Our San Diego Law Firm Can Help with Your Hostile Work Environment Case!
The San Diego labor law attorneys at 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!
