Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney

Many California employees are unsure if they’ve experienced behavior at work that could be considered ‘sexual harassment’ – or whether they should pursue legal recovery. A trusted Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer can help answer any questions you have and discuss whether to pursue a case against your employer. Our attorneys can use their experience helping clients just like you to create a strong case that addresses your individual circumstances.

At our firm, we only charge if we are unable to win your case. You won’t pay any attorney fees, and our firm will cover all costs for your case. As such, we only take cases we feel confident in and can help you build a strong case as a victim of sexual harassment.

Defining Workplace Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles, CA

Workplace sexual harassment is any unwelcome behavior or conduct that is sexual in nature and creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile workplace. Typically, such unwelcome behavior or conduct that qualifies as sexual harassment can include:

• Verbal actions
• Physical conduct
• Non-verbal sexual conduct

Employers, co-workers, supervisors, or clients can participate in unlawful sexual harassment, and such actions can occur in any work setting or industry. Any actions considered sexual harassment are illegal.

Of note, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) enforces California laws to prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Sexual harassment is illegal, and as such, Los Angeles employers must prevent workplace sexual harassment.

Some examples of illegal behavior at work include:

• Demanding sexual favors
• Offering a promotion or wage increase in exchange for a sexual act
• Physical advances that are not consensual, such as standing uncomfortably close to another employee or even blocking where they are trying to walk
• Catcalling or whistling
• Making inappropriate and suggestive comments, gestures, or comments
• Mocking someone’s sexual identity or gender (the unwelcome, offensive behavior doesn’t need to be sexually motivated but could instead be based on the employee’s actual or perceived sexual orientation/gender identification)
• Expressing slurs or other language that is derogatory
• Battery or sexual assault, like unwanted groping, kissing, or touching
• Discussing fantasies, sexual dreams, or sexual acts
• Sending texts, videos, or photographs of a sexual nature to another employee
• Posting sexual photographs at work

Many other activities may be considered prohibited workplace behavior and actions. Of note, even just one incident of sexual harassment could be considered unlawful if it is serious enough. Prohibited sexual harassment includes many types of offensive behavior, including gender-based harassment where an employee is the same sex as the accused harasser.

Depending on the behavior you have experienced at work, you might have a claim for sexual harassment under California or federal harassment laws. If you have encountered any unwelcome actions at work, it is crucial to consider filing a claim against the responsible parties and to discuss recovery with a trusted Los Angeles attorney.

The Two Categories of Sexual Harassment Claims

California recognizes different categories of claims of sexual harassment by employees, which include a hostile work environment and quid pro quo.

“Quid pro quo” is a Latin phrase meaning “something for something” or “this for that.” If an employer makes an employment decision that seems to be based on the employee’s acceptance or denial of advances, this could be quid pro quo harassment.

Examples could include exchanging sexual activity for a promotion or threatening to fire (or actually firing) an employee who refuses their supervisor’s sexual advances.

A hostile work environment claim is undesired sexual conduct to the point where the entire work environment has been saturated with inappropriate sexual behavior or if the workplace feels intimidating or abusive.

For example, if an employee or supervisor repeatedly and unwantedly requests that another employee go on a date with them, or if there is consistent, unwanted physical touching, such behavior could be considered sexual harassment if a reasonable person would find it sufficiently severe or frequent. Additionally, co-workers subjected to a hostile work environment sometimes have a claim as well even when they are not the ‘intended target’ of the harassing actions and behaviors.

If you suspect you have experienced workplace sexual harassment in Los Angeles and are ready to consider a claim against your employer, it is crucial to act right away. Consider:

• Discussing the issues you are facing with a trusted supervisor
• Reporting the issues through the formal reporting process at work
• Contacting your Department of Human Resources at your company, and
• Contacting an attorney to discuss whether it would be appropriate to file a formal complaint

While your company’s HR department is responsible for addressing workplace concerns, its primary obligation is to protect the company’s interests. For independent support and advice, you can consult a trusted employment law attorney who can help build your case. You have the right to a workplace free from sexual harassment. With an attorney by your side, you can seek recovery from the harasser and hold your employer accountable.

Employer Responsibility and Liability in Los Angeles

Employers are responsible for any harassment of their supervisors, employees, or agents. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment at their company. If an employer doesn’t take such steps to keep their employees safe from harassment, the employer can be liable for the sexual harassment.

It should be noted that an employer in California can be held responsible for any sexual harassment committed by a non-employee, such as a client or a customer. Such responsibility extends to protecting employees, job applicants, or someone retained to provide services on behalf of the employer. If an employer knew or should have known, of the sexual harassment occurring and then failed to take quick and complete corrective action, the employer could be held responsible.

Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent and address further harassment in order to maintain a working environment that is free from unlawful sexual harassment. An employer can address sexual harassment, create an employee manual that discusses how sexual harassment is unlawful, and set up a formal reporting process to address any harassment claims and investigate any instances. Then, an employer can avoid or even limit liability if harassment happens.

Proving Sexual Harassment in the Los Angeles Workplace

If you believe you have experienced unwelcome sexual harassment, it is important to start building a strong case with important evidence. To prove your sexual harassment claim, you can plan to:

• Document every incident, including when and how it happened.
• Gather relevant evidence, like texts, emails, voicemails, or other evidence of the harassment.
• Report the harassment and detail any responses from your workplace to your complaints.
• Keep records to show any negative consequences you experienced after reporting the harassment.
• Keep records that could show that the harassment actually altered your conditions of employment and the behavior was offensive.
• Consult an experienced employment attorney for legal assistance.

A seasoned employment law attorney can further discuss the burden of proof you may have for a harassment claim.

The Types of Damages Available for a Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Claim

In Los Angeles, CA, victims of workplace sexual harassment who successfully resolve their claim can recover in the following ways:

Economic recovery:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages, in some specific instances
• Attorney fees and costs

Non-economic remedies:

• Injunctive relief to help prevent any future sexual harassment incidents
• Rehiring or reinstatement, as appropriate
• Demanding their employer amend current policies and practices to reflect their legal obligations to prevent workplace harassment to avoid additional harassment

A trusted employment law attorney can help discuss recovery available to Los Angeles workplace sexual harassment victims.

Consider All Potential Drawbacks With Filing a Claim for Sexual Harassment

Filing a claim for sexual harassment can feel daunting, but it’s an important step toward achieving justice and ensuring a safer workplace. While the process may come with challenges, working with a knowledgeable attorney can help you overcome these obstacles and focus on achieving your goals.

Some challenges you might encounter include:

• Emotional distress from reliving difficult experiences
• Navigating a potentially stressful legal process
• Concerns about retaliation by your company or co-workers
• Anxiety over job security
• The burden of attorney fees, even if you do win your case

Despite these concerns, pursuing a claim can bring significant benefits:

• Holding the responsible parties accountable
• Recovering damages
• Setting a precedent that helps create a safer workplace for others

A trusted employment law attorney can guide you through every step of the process, helping you evaluate your legal options, protect your rights, and advocate for the recovery you deserve. By having experienced legal support, you can approach the process with confidence and focus on achieving the justice you seek.

Retaining an Employment Attorney for Your Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Claim

If you are experiencing sexual harassment that is negatively impacting your employment, you can consider retaining an employment law attorney to protect your victim rights. If you have endured workplace sexual harassment, an attorney with experience with this complicated area of law can:

• Help navigate California harassment laws and explain your legal rights
• Comprehensively investigate all incidents you have experienced and determine whether other incidents possibly occurred with other employees
• Address all possible avenues for recovery while also determining all parties with legal responsibility for the sexual harassment

An accomplished Los Angeles attorney can help during a sexual harassment claim process, especially if the sexual harassment has been severe or if someone disputes their responsibility for the incidents of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment matters can be quite stressful, and a compassionate attorney familiar with claims just like yours can help give you the necessary peace of mind during the entire process.

Los Angeles Sexual Harassment FAQs

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for a Sexual Harassment Claim in Los Angeles?

For Los Angeles workplace harassment matters, a trusted employment law lawyer can help with legal matters regarding a sexual harassment claim. Specifically, they can help discuss the merits and potential challenges of your unique case, fully investigate your claim, help file a formal claim as necessary, and help gather evidence for a strong employment case

A skilled Los Angeles employment law lawyer can further discuss how they can help address sexual harassment at work.

How Much Does It Cost to Retain a Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer?

In Los Angeles, employment lawyers use different fee agreements, which typically depend on the case claims, case complexity, and the lawyer’s level of experience. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis for sexual harassment matters, which means they only get paid once you win your claim.

If you are considering a specific Los Angeles lawyer, it’s helpful to discuss the lawyer’s experience handling cases like yours and their fee structure during your initial consultation.

When Should I Consider a Claim for Sexual Harassment?

You should consider suing someone for sexual harassment once you have experienced unwelcome sexual conduct that is sufficiently pervasive or severe enough to be considered a hostile workplace environment. If your internal work complaint process hasn’t been sufficient to properly address the behavior, you can consider filing a claim.

If you have been a victim of workplace sexual harassment and are considering filing a claim, it is important to consult an experienced Los Angeles attorney to discuss your experience and to help discuss your next steps.

What Types of Evidence Help Prove Sexual Harassment Claims?

The types of evidence that can help prove sexual harassment claims can include important communications (like phone records, texts, emails, etc.), witness testimony, contemporaneous notes, physical evidence (like inappropriate gifts or lewd materials), digital records, indirect evidence, records from medical therapy facilities, and/or records of adverse employment actions taken.

A seasoned employment attorney can further discuss the burden of proof and potential evidence needed to help build a strong harassment case.

Can a Sexual Harassment Claim Impact My Job?

Filing a sexual harassment claim can bring changes to your work life, such as shifts in workplace relationships or concerns about career advancement. However, many of the potential challenges can be managed with the right support. Also, your legal rights protect you from retaliation, such as unfair disciplinary actions or termination, ensuring that you can seek justice without fear.

Consult Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA – Experienced Los Angeles Sexual Harassment and Employment Lawyers

Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA has experience zealously advocating for Los Angeles clients with complex sexual harassment cases. It can be stressful and overwhelming to pursue a claim against your employer. Yet, if someone has violated your basic workplace employment rights, our firm is ready to provide compassionate, confidential help. Contact our team to set up an initial consultation right away.