Los Angeles, CA employment plaintiffs attorney Navid Yadegar talks about the damages that can be awarded in a sexual harassment case. He describes four categories of damages that may be available in a sexual harassment claim. He explains that economic damages may cover financial losses resulting from the harassment, such as lost wages during a period of unemployment if the employee was terminated. He also identifies emotional distress damages as compensation for the harm caused by the harassment, including fear, humiliation, and other emotional suffering experienced by the employee.

He notes that because sexual harassment is often deliberate and intentional, employees may also be entitled to punitive damages. He explains that punitive damages are intended not to compensate the employee for a specific financial or emotional loss, but to punish the employer or harasser for the misconduct. Finally, he points out that, as with other employment claims, an employee who has been sexually harassed may be entitled to recover the value of the attorney’s fees incurred in pursuing the claim, which can become a significant part of settlement negotiations or a court award.