Employee Harassment Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

Protecting Those Who Have Been Harassed in the Workplace

An employee who is mistreated on the basis of his or her protected characteristics by state or federal law may have a harassment claim against his or her employer.

Do I Have a Harassment Claim?

In order for harassment to be considered illegal, it must be based on at least one protected characteristic recognized under federal or state law. These include:

• Gender/sex
• Pregnancy
• Age
• Race/national origin
• Disability
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Marital status

At AMG, we have represented numerous victims of illegal harassment based on a variety of characteristics. For example, we have represented many women subjected to unwelcome touching by supervisors, employees taunted for their actual or perceived mental or physical disabilities, and employees who were bullied for their sexual orientation or for their gender identity.

Common Examples of Workplace Harassment in Los Angeles, CA

Workplace harassment is a significant issue that affects countless employees in Los Angeles. Some common examples include:

• Verbal harassment, such as:
  • Racial slurs
  • Derogatory comments
  • Unwelcome remarks about an employee’s gender identity, national origin, or marital status
• Physical conduct, including:
  • Unwanted physical contact
  • Unwelcome sexual advances
  • Quid pro quo harassment (e.g., job benefits contingent on sexual favors)
• Unwelcome conduct related to an employee’s protected characteristics under laws like:
  • The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
  • Federal anti-discrimination laws
• Racial harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation

If you are experiencing workplace harassment, it is essential to contact a workplace harassment attorney or an employee harassment lawyer in Los Angeles to explore your legal options.

Hostile Work Environment vs. Workplace Harassment

While many people use the terms “hostile work environment” and “workplace harassment” interchangeably, they are distinct under the law. A hostile work environment exists when harassing conduct becomes so severe or pervasive that it creates a work atmosphere a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Unwelcome comments, derogatory remarks, and physical conduct related to protected characteristics can contribute to a hostile work environment.

By contrast, workplace harassment refers to specific acts of unlawful workplace harassment under state and federal laws. For example, sexual harassment or racial harassment may involve direct unwanted sexual advances or verbal harassment related to an employee’s race or national origin. Both private and government employers are subject to these laws, although how government employers differ in applying these standards may vary.

Victims often struggle when their employer fails to address their complaints adequately. This neglect can perpetuate a toxic workplace, leading to lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. A harassment lawyer in Los Angeles can help victims determine whether their situation meets the legal standards for filing a workplace harassment claim or a harassment lawsuit.

How to Respond to Workplace Harassment

If you are experiencing workplace harassment, it is critical to take immediate steps to protect your rights. Start by documenting every instance of harassing behavior, including unwelcome comments, physical conduct, and dates of incidents. Reporting the issue to your human resources department is often the next step. However, if reporting workplace harassment internally fails to yield results, you may need to escalate your case.

Contacting a workplace harassment lawyer or a Los Angeles harassment attorney can provide clarity on your legal options. You may need to file a formal complaint with agencies like the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These organizations can issue a right-to-sue letter, which allows you to pursue a harassment case in civil court. Under California law and federal law, employees have protections against retaliation, ensuring you cannot legally be punished for reporting harassment.

Retaliation or Termination After Reporting Harassment

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for reporting workplace harassment. Retaliatory acts can include unfair demotions, pay cuts, or even termination. Such actions are prohibited under harassment laws like the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and federal laws. If you believe you have been retaliated against, consult a harassment attorney to assess your situation.

Termination after reporting harassment is a grave violation of employment laws. Victims may be entitled to damages, including compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other harm caused by retaliatory actions. Whether you work for private employers or government employers, your rights are protected. A lawyer at our employment law firm in Los Angeles specializing in harassment cases can guide you in seeking justice if your employer retaliated against you for reporting harassment.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

Harassment can be subtle and complex depending on frequency and intensity of the harassment and the identity of the harasser. Please speak with one of our attorneys before proceeding with your claim. Call our Los Angeles office at 323-746-1853 or our New York office at 646-992-2184 or contact us online.