Defending Against a Sexual Harassment Claim in California

If you have been accused of sexual harassment in the workplace, the accusation can have your reputation tarnished and expose you to a financial judgment. Additionally, an accusation can leave yourself and your company in serious legal trouble under state and federal laws. Moreover, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can issue an administrative charge and begin a formal investigation into the claim for workplace discrimination.
 
If your business or a colleague is facing workplace sexual harassment allegations, it is important to seek the legal support of a knowledgeable attorney who will fight for your rights. Consider speaking to a qualified attorney who will champion on your behalf.

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The Importance of Acting Quickly After an Initial Allegation

Upon hearing of the allegations, it is important to act quickly and begin protecting your interests. Begin making a detailed account of all the interactions you have had with the co-worker.
 
In the event that the sexual harassment claim has been filed directly with the EEOC or the co-worker has already filed a lawsuit against you, not only is it in your best interest to seek legal support, it is also important to consider all defenses available. In a sexual harassment claim, the burden is typically placed on the accuser, which means that the alleged victim will need to prove specific elements to obtain a judgment. An experienced attorney can assist in defending against such claims.

Potential Sexual Harassment Defenses in California

Depending on the facts of your case, not every legal defense will be available to you. Understanding what legal defenses could be available, however, can help you decide what will be the best course of legal action. The following is a limited list of possible defenses:

• Providing sufficient evidence that the allegations have been fabricated;
• Reviewing the company’s sexual harassment policies;
• The conduct did not break the law;
• The accuser has failed to undergo administrative procedures before filing the lawsuit;
• Your investigations have failed to establish the event or pattern of behavior that was troublesome;
• The EEOC has concluded its investigations and determined that there was insufficient information about the occurrence or determined that the incident did not occur;
• The alleged behavior was perpetrated by a third party.

Hire the Legal Support of an Experienced Employment Defense Attorney

In every professional work environment, your reputation is the most important thing you need to protect. When a co-worker or employee has accused you of sexual harassment, the claim can affect you for the rest of your career as well as jeopardize your business’ future. After a wrongful allegation has been made against you, it is important to act quickly – consider seeking the legal support of a skilled attorney who can champion on your behalf.
 
The employment defense attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP have many years of dedicated experience protecting the rights of those wrongfully accused. Workplace sexual harassment claims should always be taken seriously and it is important to act quickly. If you need legal assistance in defending against an employment claim, contact the legal support of a qualified attorney.

Knez Law Group, LLP is a father & sons team of lawyers in Riverside, California. Our firm handles cases involving business law, family law, employment litigation and personal injury matters throughout the Inland Empire and the State of California. Call us now at (951) 742-7681 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.