San Jose Sexual Harassment Attorneys
Fighting for the Rights of Sexual Harassment Survivors in the Bay Area
Workplace sexual harassment can destroy careers, cause emotional trauma, and create a hostile work environment. If you are facing harassment on the job, you don’t have to deal with it alone. At Habbas & Associates, we stand up for victims of workplace harassment and fight for their rights to a safe, respectful workplace.
Our team of San Jose sexual harassment lawyers is here to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice. With decades of experience handling employment law claims across California, we are committed to holding harassers and negligent employers accountable.
Call Habbas & Associates at (888) 387-4053 or fill out an online form to get your free consultation today!
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment in the workplace refers to unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual’s job performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. It can affect anyone—regardless of gender, position, or industry.
There are two main legal categories of sexual harassment:
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This occurs when a person in a position of power (like a supervisor or manager) demands sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits such as promotions, pay raises, or continued employment.
- Hostile Work Environment Harassment: This involves ongoing behavior, comments, or actions of a sexual nature that make it difficult or uncomfortable for someone to do their job. A single incident may also qualify if it is severe enough.
Sexual harassment does not have to be overtly sexual. It may include gender-based slurs, inappropriate jokes, or demeaning treatment based on someone’s gender or sexual orientation.
Common Forms of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take many different forms, including:
- Unwanted touching or physical contact
- Sexual jokes, comments, or innuendos
- Displaying sexually explicit images or content
- Sending inappropriate texts, emails, or messages
- Repeated requests for dates or romantic attention
- Spreading rumors about an employee’s sexuality or relationships
- Threats or retaliation for refusing sexual advances
- Demeaning treatment or exclusion based on gender identity or sexual orientation
No one should feel unsafe or degraded in their place of work. If you’ve experienced any of these behaviors, a qualified San Jose sexual harassment attorney at Habbas & Associates can help you explore your legal options.
California & Federal Workplace Sexual Harassment Laws
Victims of workplace sexual harassment are protected under both California and federal law.
Federal Protections – Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII prohibits sexual harassment and other forms of sex discrimination in the workplace. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees and is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
California Protections – Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
California’s FEHA provides even broader protections than federal law. It applies to employers with 5 or more employees and is enforced by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).
FEHA allows victims to file a complaint and pursue legal action for:
- Sexual harassment
- Retaliation for reporting harassment
- Failure to prevent harassment
Under both laws, employers are legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent and correct harassment in the workplace. If your employer fails to do so, they may be held liable.
Compensation in Sexual Harassment Claims
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Lost wages and benefits
- Medical and therapy expenses
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
- Reinstatement or changes in job status
The exact value of your claim depends on the severity of the harassment and its impact on your career and well-being. Our attorneys can help you determine what a fair outcome looks like.
We don't take sexual harassment lightly. Contact our San Jose workplace sexual harassment lawyers at Habbas & Associates today to pursue justice.
Testimonials
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"Mr. Habbas and his staff are efficient, helpful, responsive and caring. They make you feel at ease. They explain the process and they keep you up to date. There is no one else I would prefer to have in my corner to protect me."Dr. S.E.
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"He answered all of our questions every time we had one and that's why we are so happy and blessed to have Habbas and Associates on our side. I strongly recommend them."Feliciano & Maria Verzosa
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They do everything possible to help you get through tough times.
Daniel L. -
"Omar Habbas will fight for you and give you the best results out of your case I know. They take good care of their clients I’ve never been happier. Thank you to the whole entire team at Habbas & Associates. You are highly recommended."Nina Wright
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"My case was settled at mediation for approximately $950,000.00 within a short time after a lawsuit was filed. I can't say enough about how much Mr. Habbas and his firm care about their clients. I will always refer anyone I know to them."Roberta S.
How Do You Sue for Sexual Harassment?
If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, it's important that you take the following steps to protect yourself and fight for your own rights:
- Confront the harasser and inform them that their behavior is unacceptable and that it must stop
- If the harassment does not stop, go to your human resources department and report the behavior; every company should have a process in place for handling sexual harassment claims and they should be able to walk you through the steps of reporting the incident
- If you aren't able to resolve the situation through the designated channels, you should report the incident to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; the government agency can then reach out to your employer and work to resolve the situation on your behalf
- If the EEOC is unable to resolve the issue on your behalf, they will issue you a "right to sue" letter which gives you the ability to take the claim to court
- Contact our team to discuss your situation and find out how we can fight on your behalf to get you the justice and compensation you deserve for the harassment you have suffered
Sexual Harassment Claim FAQs
Do I need to report the harassment to my employer before filing a claim?
In most cases, yes. It’s generally best to report the behavior through your company’s internal HR or complaint process. If your employer fails to act or retaliates against you, that can strengthen your legal case.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in California?
You must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department within three years of the last incident of harassment. For federal claims through the EEOC, the deadline is 300 days from the incident in California.
Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment?
No. Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal. If you’ve been demoted, fired, or treated unfairly for speaking up, you may have a separate claim for retaliation.
What if the harassment wasn’t from a manager, but a coworker or client?
Employers are responsible for harassment by anyone in the workplace—including coworkers, vendors, customers, or clients—if they knew or should have known about it and failed to take action.
Can men be victims of sexual harassment too?
Absolutely. Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The law protects all workers from inappropriate and harassing behavior.
How Habbas & Associates Can Help
When you contact Habbas & Associates, our team will listen to your story with compassion, discretion, and respect. We will:
- Evaluate your case and explain your rights under state and federal law
- Guide you through the complaint process with the EEOC or CRD
- Collect evidence, including witness statements, emails, and personnel records
- Negotiate with employers and their attorneys for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary
Our goal is not only to seek justice and compensation for your suffering—but also to help you move forward with confidence.
Let our firm help you immediately by calling (888) 387-4053 or filling out our online contact form today.
They do everything possible to help you get through tough times.Daniel L.
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (888) 387-4053.