Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, you are not alone, and you have legal rights. Workplace sexual harassment is a serious violation of both state and federal law, and no employee should have to endure an unsafe or hostile work environment. Whether you are facing unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate touching, or retaliation for reporting sexual harassment, an experienced sexual harassment attorney can help you take action. At AMG Law, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of sexual harassment victims and holding employers accountable. If you are unsure of your next steps or need legal guidance, contact our Los Angeles office today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you obtain justice.

Are You a Victim of Sexual Harassment?

It is illegal for a supervisor or co-worker to subject another person to unwelcome sexual advances at work. It is also illegal for a supervisor or co-worker to subject another person to hostile work environment based on sex.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is commonly thought of as unwelcome sexual advances. However, it includes much more. Sexual harassment does not need to be based on sexual desire. It can be based on same sex also.

Examples of sexual harassment and harassment inflicted on the LGBT community as well as claims related to:

• Sexual assault/unwelcome physical touching of a sexual nature
• Proposing employment advances or hiring for sexual acts (“quid pro quo”)
• Visual harassment by displaying sexually explicit objects, cartoons or pictures
• Pattern of verbal abuse by sexually offensive comments and degrading words
• Making sexual advances or propositions, physically or verbally
• Making gender-related comments about a person’s appearance or mannerisms
• Bullying someone using gender-related comments or conduct
• Treating a person badly because they do not conform to gender roles

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment in the workplace encompasses a range of unwelcome behaviors of a sexual nature that violate an individual’s dignity and create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. These behaviors can be verbal, non-verbal, or physical and are prohibited under both federal and California law.

Types of Sexual Harassment

1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This occurs when employment decisions, such as promotions or continued employment, are contingent upon the employee submitting to unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. For instance, a supervisor offering a favorable job assignment in exchange for a date constitutes quid pro quo harassment.
2. Hostile Work Environment: This form of harassment arises when an employee is subjected to unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is pervasive or severe enough to create an intimidating or offensive work environment. Examples include persistent unwelcome comments about an employee’s appearance, sharing sexually explicit materials, or making inappropriate jokes.

Recognizing Behaviors That Constitute Sexual Harassment

It’s essential to identify behaviors that may be considered sexual harassment, including:

• Unwelcome Sexual Advances: Solicitations for dates or sexual favors that are uninvited and unwelcome.
• Inappropriate Physical Conduct: Unwanted touching, hugging, or other physical interactions of a sexual nature.
• Sexual Comments or Jokes: Making remarks or jokes about someone’s body, appearance, or sexual activities.
• Displaying Offensive Materials: Showing or sharing sexually explicit images, emails, or messages.
• Gender-Based Insults or Stereotyping: Comments that demean individuals based on gender or fail to conform to traditional gender roles.

Legal Protections Against Sexual Harassment

Both federal and California laws provide robust protections for employees against sexual harassment:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual harassment.
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): FEHA offers broader protections, making it unlawful for employers to harass or discriminate based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Steps to Take if You Are Being Sexually Harassed

If you believe you are experiencing sexual harassment at work, consider the following steps:

1. Document the Harassment: Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times, locations, witnesses, and descriptions of the behavior.
2. Report the Harassment: Follow your company’s procedures for reporting harassment, which may involve notifying a supervisor or the human resources department.
3. File a Complaint with the EEOC or DFEH: If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
4. Consult an Experienced Sexual Harassment Attorney: An attorney can provide guidance on your legal rights and options, helping you navigate the process and seek appropriate remedies.

Potential Remedies and Compensation

Victims of sexual harassment may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Lost Wages: Recovery of income lost due to the harassment or any retaliatory actions.
• Emotional Distress Damages: Compensation for psychological suffering caused by the harassment.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct, additional damages intended to punish the offender and deter future misconduct.
• Legal Fees: Reimbursement for attorney fees and related legal expenses.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Los Angeles and throughout California are legally obligated to:

• Implement Anti-Harassment Policies: Establish clear policies prohibiting sexual harassment and outlining procedures for reporting and addressing complaints.
• Provide Training: Conduct regular training sessions for employees and supervisors to prevent sexual harassment and promote a respectful workplace.
• Take Prompt Action: Investigate complaints thoroughly and take immediate corrective action to address and prevent harassment.

Retaliation Is Prohibited

It is unlawful for employers to retaliate against employees who report sexual harassment or participate in investigations. Retaliation can include demotion, termination, or any adverse changes in employment conditions. If you experience retaliation, legal avenues are available to protect your rights.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you are a victim of sexual harassment, consulting with an experienced sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles is crucial. Legal professionals can assess your case, guide you through the legal process, and advocate on your behalf to obtain justice and compensation. Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless you win your case.

Premier Sexual Harassment Attorneys

AMG specializes in the handling of sensitive sexual harassment cases. We have obtained numerous seven-figure settlements for victims of sexual harassment. For example, recovering on behalf of a secretary who was forced into a sexual relationship with her supervisor, a nanny whose breasts and buttocks were repeatedly groped by her employer as well as a man who was consistently ridiculed at work by a supervisor for not conforming to masculine gender stereotypes.

What Should I Do if I’m Being Sexually Harassed?

In many cases, informal action can achieve the fastest resolution of the issue. You can start by telling the person harassing you as clearly as possible to stop the behavior. If this does not work, put your complaint in writing, telling the person that you find the behavior offensive and what action you will take (e.g., file a complaint) if it continues. If this does not work, check your employer’s policy to see with whom you should file a formal complaint. Oftentimes, you can file a formal complaint with your supervisor (unless he or she is the person harassing you) or a human resources representative.

In cases of sexual harassment, for the sake of any potential lawsuit you may file, it is of the utmost importance to keep detailed records of each offensive incident. Make note of the time, date and underlying facts of each incident (including actions you or your company took), as well as copies of all related correspondence or complaints.

Protect yourself and schedule a free initial consultation.
Call now: 323-746-1853

What Happens if My Company Does Nothing to Help Me?

California and many other states’ laws require an employer to provide an environment free from harassment. In addition, once employers are notified about the harassment, they must correct it. Many states, including California, provide for a separate legal claim when the employer who is notified of the harassment fails to take appropriate action to stop it.

If your company does not resolve the issue, your next step is to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the corresponding local state agency. If, after investigation of your complaint, either of these agencies finds evidence of sexual harassment and attempts to resolve the dispute have failed, the agency will issue you a right-to-sue letter. Once this has been done, you have the right to file a private lawsuit against your employer to seek compensation.

For additional information and answers to your questions, please visit our FAQ page.

Protecting Victims of Sexual Harassment

If you are a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, Allred, Maroko & Goldberg can help empower you to get justice whether privately or publicly. We have an unparalleled record of success in securing confidential prelitigation settlements of sexual harassment matters, as well as helping victims face their aggressors in the courtroom. Please contact our Los Angeles offices at 323-746-1853 or our New York offices at 646-992-2184 to schedule a consultation and case evaluation.