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Largest Employee Harassment Settlements in California

List of Defenses to Personal Injury Claims

California has some of the most employee-friendly laws in the entire country, providing workers with extensive legal protections and an overall right to a safe workplace. Unfortunately, not every workplace in California is harmonious, with some even rising to the level of hostile. When this happens, workers can take steps to protect their rights. Usually, this happens by filing a harassment lawsuit. And with any lawsuit, there is always the possibility of a high-paying settlement.

California Employment Law and Harassment

Harassment is one of the most common forms of workplace violations that occur in California. Because it’s an ongoing issue, California law has measures in place that protect workers from this treatment by their employers.

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is the main law that addresses this issue. Under the FEHA, it’s illegal for employers, managers, or coworkers to harass workers based on certain protected characteristics such as:

 

  • Age
  • Race
  • Color
  • Disability
  • Gender identity
  • Gender expression
  • Genetic information
  • Sexual orientation
  • Marital status
  • Medical condition
  • Military or veteran status
  • Religion
  • National origin
  • Pregnancy
  • Ancestry
  • Request for family care leave
  • Request for leave for an employee’s own serious health condition
  • Request for pregnancy leave
  • Retaliation for reporting patient abuse

The FEHA also makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against any employee that voices concerns or makes complaints about FEHA violations, assists other coworkers in making such a complaint, or for opposing any action that would constitute a violation of the FEHA. Employers in California are required to be aware of these protected characteristics and ensure that their policies and practices are in compliance with the FEHA. When they don’t, employees can take legal action to hold their employer accountable, which includes filing a lawsuit.

Filing a Harassment Lawsuit in California

As an employee, it’s important to remember that not only do you have legal protections, but there is a process in place that you can file a claim for damages. Usually, this happens by filing a lawsuit against your employer. Prior to doing this, it’s extremely important to consult with our team of experienced California employment lawyers. We can help you determine the viability of your claim and answer any questions you might have about the process. While every case is unique, a harassment lawsuit in California usually involves the following steps:

  • Document the harassment – If you believe you are experiencing harassment, it’s important to document the incidents as they occur. Write down the date, time, location, and details of each incident, as well as the names of any witnesses. Keep copies of any emails, texts, or other communications related to the harassment.
  • Report the harassment – You should report the harassment to your employer as soon as possible. Employers are required by law to investigate complaints of harassment and take appropriate action to address the situation.
  • File a complaint – If you decide to move forward with a lawsuit, our team will help you file a complaint with the appropriate administrative agency. In harassment claims, this is usually the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
  • File a lawsuit – Once your complaint is filed in circuit court, the litigation process begins. This may include mediation, depositions, and a trial. Our team will guide you through each step of the process and represent your interests in court. Ultimately, your claim will either be decided by a jury at trial or will be resolved with a settlement.

Again, every claim is unique, and how your case progresses depends on the circumstances and facts that are available. While it can sometimes be a significant investment of your time and resources, it’s a necessary step in making sure the harassment you (and potentially others) are experiencing is stopped.

Largest Employment Law Harassment Settlements

Because workplace harassment is so serious, lawsuits can result in large employment law settlements, as companies are held accountable for failing to provide a safe and respectful workplace for their employees. In California especially, there have been a number of high-profile employee harassment cases in recent years. Here’s a look at some of the largest employee harassment settlements:

University of Southern California (USC) – $852 million

In 2018, USC reached a settlement with hundreds of women who alleged that the university had mishandled their complaints of sexual abuse by gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall. This was one of the largest settlements related to sexual abuse in U.S. history.

Farmers Insurance – $60 million

In 2019, Farmers Insurance agreed to pay $60 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by female attorneys who alleged gender discrimination, harassment, and retaliation at the company.

Mercy General Hospital – $40 million

In 2018, Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento agreed to pay $40 million to settle a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual harassment and assault by a former surgical resident. The settlement was one of the largest in California’s history involving a single victim of harassment.

Uber – $10 million

In 2018, Uber agreed to pay $10 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by female and minority engineers who alleged gender and racial discrimination and harassment at the company.

Merritt Hawkins – $1.2 million

In 2018, physician staffing company Merritt Hawkins agreed to pay $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit brought by a female physician who alleged sexual harassment and gender discrimination. The settlement included significant changes to the company’s policies and practices related to harassment and discrimination.

While these settlements are some of the most financially significant in California history, a settlement is not necessarily indicative of guilt or liability on the part of the companies or individuals involved. However, they do highlight the seriousness of employee harassment and the potential financial consequences for employers that are found to have engaged in such conduct.

Maison Law Will Stand Up For Your Rights

At Maison Law, we believe every California employee has the right to a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. Unfortunately, there are seemingly endless examples of employers failing to take responsibility for their unfair and illegal treatment of their workers. When you believe you’ve been harassed or discriminated against, or believe that any of your other workplace rights are being violated, our team of experienced California employment lawyers will be there to stand up for you.

Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.

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