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| sexual harassment attorneys |
California recognizes just how
traumatic sexual harassment can be in these types of non-work relationships
built on trust and respect. The law protects victims and gives them options.
Under California law, Civil Code
Section 51.9, anyone who establishes a business, service, or professional
relationship with you can be held liable for sexual harassment. That means you
can sue for damages by filing a Sexual
Harassment Lawsuit.
What Types of Professionals are Prohibited From
Sexual Harassment Under Section 51.9?
The law protects you from sexual
harassment by anyone with whom you share a business, service, or professional
relationship that cannot be terminated easily.
Section 51.9 includes (but is not limited to) the following types of professionals:
- Lawyers and social workers
- Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers
- Psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and other mental health care providers
- Teachers or professors who sexually harass their students
- Accountants, financial advisors, and financial planners
- Building contractors and appraisers
- Real estate agents and escrow loan officers
- Landlords, building superintendents, and property managers
Many of the
professionals on this list hold positions of power and trust over their
clients. The law also includes any relationship that is substantially similar
to those listed above.
Not All Professionals are covered under Section 51.9
However, Section 51.9 does not
cover all professional relationships. The relationship must be the type that
cannot be terminated easily or without significant cost.
For example, it’s easy enough to
find a new plumber to fix issues around the house or a new landscaper to mow
the lawn. If you experience sexual harassment in these cases, you have the
power to terminate your relationship with that professional without losing
much.
Although this doesn’t address the
harassment you experienced, civil law considers the power to choose with your
wallet a good enough remedy. If the sexual harassment was severe, you could
take your case out of civil court to file criminal charges for assault or
battery.
When Can You Sue Professionals for Sexual Harassment?
Under Section 51.9, you may sue for
damages if you can prove that you suffered a personal
injury or an economic loss or disadvantage because of the
harassment.
The injuries you suffer could be
emotional distress or even the violation of a legal right – for example, the right
to be free of gender discrimination in housing.
When it comes to discrimination or harassment in the
workplace, employees must usually take certain steps to report the behavior
before escalating their claims in court. In contrast, if you have a claim for
sexual harassment against a business or service professional under Section
51.9, you can file a lawsuit directly with the Superior Court of California.
How a Sexual Harassment Lawyers Can Help
Going up against a sexual harasser
isn’t easy, especially when your relationship is based on trust or a power
imbalance.
At Best Pharmacy Attorney.,
our legal team is in your corner at all points in the lawsuit process. We put
together your strongest possible case from the beginning. That way, your sexual
harasser knows you have the evidence to back up your claims. The more you can
convince them that you will win in court, the more likely your harasser is to
make a proper settlement offer.
Call Marcarian Law Firm, P.C. now at 818-995-8787 for a FREE consultation of your case by an experienced personal injury and Sexual Harassment Attorney who can help.
