Workplace emotional distress can leave employees feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unable to perform their duties effectively. When this distress results from illegal actions such as harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, employees have the right to seek justice. An experienced Orange County hostile workplace attorney can help you navigate these challenging situations, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (949) 379-6250 for a free consultation.

Orange County Workplace Emotional Distress Attorney

What Is Emotional Distress in the Orange County Workplace?

Emotional distress refers to severe psychological harm caused by traumatic or ongoing negative experiences. In the workplace, this harm can manifest as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or other mental health issues. Common causes include:

Harassment: Sexual harassment, bullying, or verbal abuse from supervisors or coworkers.
Discrimination: Unequal treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Retaliation: Punitive actions and retaliation, such as demotions or wrongful terminations, for reporting workplace misconduct or exercising legal rights.
Hostile Work Environment: A pervasive pattern of inappropriate behavior that creates an intolerable atmosphere.

To establish a legal claim, the emotional distress must typically be significant and caused by behavior that is unlawful or egregious.

Your Rights as an Employee in Orange County

Employees in Orange County are protected under state and federal laws, including:

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Ensures protection against discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Requires employers to accommodate mental health conditions caused or worsened by workplace issues.

These laws ensure employees have the right to a safe and respectful workplace.

Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Distress

Employees experiencing emotional distress may show signs such as:

Persistent anxiety or depression.
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues.
Difficulty concentrating or decreased productivity.
Sleep disturbances or fatigue.
Withdrawal from coworkers or fear of workplace interactions.

If emotional distress interferes with your ability to perform your job or impacts your overall well-being, it is important to take action.

Types of Emotional Distress Claims

In legal terms, emotional distress claims are categorized into two main types: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED). Here is an overview of these claims and their applications in the workplace:

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)

This occurs when an employer or coworker engages in extreme and outrageous behavior intended to cause emotional harm.

Example: A supervisor publicly humiliates an employee repeatedly, leading to severe anxiety and depression.

Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED)

This occurs when an employer’s negligence creates conditions that lead to emotional harm, even if there was no intent to harm.

Example: An employer fails to address known harassment by coworkers, resulting in the targeted employee experiencing severe distress.

Emotional Distress as Part of Another Claim

Emotional distress damages can be included in claims for harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, or retaliation.

How an Orange County Workplace Emotional Distress Attorney Can Help

An experienced employment attorney can guide you through the process of pursuing a claim for workplace emotional distress. They can:

Evaluate Your Case

Determine if your emotional distress is linked to unlawful actions, such as harassment or retaliation.

Gather Evidence

Collect documentation, witness statements, and medical records to support your claim.

File Complaints

Assist you in filing complaints with agencies such as the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Pursue Compensation

Seek damages for emotional distress, lost wages, medical expenses, and punitive damages if applicable.

Contact Our Orange County Workplace Emotional Distress Lawyers Today

If you believe you have suffered emotional distress due to unlawful actions at work, consulting an experienced employment attorney can help you determine the best course of action to protect your rights and pursue compensation. Call Aegis Law Firm at (949) 379-6250 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.