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Los Angeles Workplace Harassment Lawyers

Matern Law Group's Los Angeles harassment lawyers handle sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims. Free consultation, no fee unless you win.

Los Angeles Employment Law > Los Angeles Workplace Harassment

Workplace Harassment in Los Angeles Comes in Many Forms

Los Angeles workplace sexual harassmentEmployment laws that apply to Los Angeles employees provide some of the strongest workplace protections in the nation, but it takes an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rights. From sexual harassment to discriminatory treatment, our Los Angeles workplace harassment lawyers are equipped to handle various claims with professionalism and care.

Harassment is inappropriate or offensive conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to alter an employee’s working conditions. Harassment in the Los Angeles workplace is illegal when it is based on one of the factors listed below.

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These are various types of harassment that are prohibited by Los Angeles law:

Los Angeles Gender Harassment

If you have experienced harassment related to your gender, sex, or gender identity, you may be a victim of gender harassment and protected under federal laws.

Gender harassment, or gender-based harassment, occurs when a person harasses another based on their gender, gender expression, or gender identity. The harassment does not need to be based on anything sexual in nature. Instead, gender harassment usually involves stereotypes based on the roles and functions associated with a particular gender.

Workplace gender harassment laws are similar to Title IX laws, which prevent gender harassment and discrimination in school settings. In an employment and work setting, gender harassment can occur between co-workers, between a supervisor and a subordinate, and in various other settings. A knowledgeable Los Angeles harassment attorney can help you gather evidence, navigate the complaint process, and determine the best course of action under state and federal laws.

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Los Angeles Hostile Work Environment Harassment

Under federal and state laws, a hostile work environment exists when behavior within a workplace creates an environment that is difficult, intimidating, abusive, or uncomfortable for another person to work in due to discriminatory or harassing conduct.

Common complaints in sexual harassment lawsuits include unwanted touching, suggestive remarks, sexually-suggestive photos displayed in the workplace, use of sexual language, or off-color jokes. Small incidences, annoyances, and isolated incidents typically are not considered to be severe or pervasive enough to constitute unlawful harassment.

To be unlawful, the conduct must create a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to a reasonable person. If your employer failed to take appropriate action after your complaint, a Los Angeles harassment attorney can help you pursue legal action to hold your employer accountable for neglecting their legal obligations.

An employer can be held liable for failing to prevent these workplace conditions, unless it can prove that it attempted to prevent the harassment and that the employee failed to take advantage of existing harassment countermeasures or tools provided by the employer.

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Los Angeles Pregnancy Harassment

Los Angeles pregnancy harassment lawyersIf you have experienced pregnancy harassment related to childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions, then you may be a victim of pregnancy harassment and are protected under federal laws.

It is unlawful to harass a woman because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).

A harasser can be a number of different people, from the victim’s supervisor to a co-worker, client, or customer. Our seasoned Los Angeles harassment lawyers are committed to helping employees stand up against unlawful behavior and secure justice for such unlawful harassment through the legal system.

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Los Angeles Quid Pro Quo Harassment

The Latin term quid pro quo translates to “something for something.”

Therefore, quid pro quo harassment occurs in the workplace when a manager or other authority figure offers or merely hints that he or she will give the employee something (i.e. a raise or a promotion) in return for that employee’s satisfaction of a sexual request. This also occurs when a manager or other authority figure says he or she will not fire or reprimand an employee in exchange for the employee’s submission to some type of sexual advance.

A job applicant also may be the subject of this kind of harassment if the hiring decision was based on the acceptance or rejection of sexual advances.

If you’ve experienced quid pro quo harassment at work, it’s time to speak with legal counsel. Our Los Angeles harassment lawyers at Matern Law Group can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim with confidence.

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Los Angeles Sexual Harassment

Los Angeles workplace harassment lawyersWorkplace sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature which unreasonably interferes with the performance of a person’s job or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Sexual harassment can range from persistent offensive sexual jokes to inappropriate touching to posting offensive material on a bulletin board. Sexual harassment at work is a serious problem and can happen to both women and men.

Both state and federal laws protect employees from sexual harassment at work. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While Title VII is the base level for sexual harassment claims, states, including California, have sexual harassment laws which may be even more strict. Check the laws of your state for more information.

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Los Angeles Workplace Bullying Harassment

Bullying is a substantial problem in workplaces across the United States. A third of American workers have reported experiencing some form of bullying by managers or coworkers and another 25% reported having witnessed the bullying of a coworker.

Abusive work environments can reduce productivity and morale, lead to higher absenteeism and turnover rates, and increase medical and workers’ compensation claims. Under current law, victims of workplace bullying have a legal remedy only if the abuse is related to a protected category (such as race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or age).

Employers who fail to comply with the law may face penalties from the Civil Rights Department, the state agency charged with enforcing California’s discrimination and harassment laws. The law does not, however, create a civil claim for abusive conduct itself.

Los Angeles workplace harassment lawyers understand how these legal protections intersect and can evaluate your work situation to determine whether you may have legally actionable claims.

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Frequently Asked Los Angeles Workplace Harassment Questions

What Counts as Workplace Harassment Under California Law?
California law defines workplace harassment broadly to include unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic, such as sex, race, religion, disability, or age, that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. Workplace harassment can take many forms, including:
  • Unwanted physical contact.
  • Offensive or discriminatory comments.
  • Derogatory jokes or slurs.
  • Intimidating or threatening behavior.
  • Exclusion or mistreatment based on a protected characteristic.
Depending on the circumstances, harassment may involve a pattern of inappropriate conduct or a single serious incident.
Can I Be Harassed by a Coworker, Not Just My Manager, in Los Angeles?
Yes. Workplace harassment does not have to come from a manager or supervisor. Under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), unlawful harassment can involve:
  • Supervisors or managers.
  • Coworkers.
  • Clients or customers.
  • Vendors.
  • Other non-employees encountered through your work.
An employer may be responsible for harassment by coworkers or non-employees when the employer knew or should have known about the conduct and failed to take appropriate corrective action.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workplace Harassment Claim in California?
In most cases, you generally have three years from the date of the alleged harassing conduct to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) before pursuing a lawsuit. However, filing deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, including when the harassment occurred and whether the conduct involved multiple incidents. Because missing an applicable deadline can affect your ability to pursue a claim, speaking with a Los Angeles workplace harassment lawyer promptly can help you understand the deadlines that apply and preserve your legal options.
What Compensation May Be Available in a Los Angeles Workplace Harassment Case?
The compensation available in a workplace harassment case depends on the facts, the harm suffered, and the legal claims involved. Depending on the circumstances, potential compensation may include:
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income or employment benefits lost because of the harassment or related employment actions.
  • Emotional Distress: Compensation for emotional harm caused by unlawful workplace conduct.
  • Punitive Damages: In certain cases, punitive damages may be available when the legal requirements are satisfied.
  • Other Available Remedies: Additional remedies may be available depending on the particular claims and circumstances.
Matern Law Group has represented plaintiffs in significant harassment matters, including Pantoja v. Anton, a leading California sexual harassment appellate case.

Our Approach

Our practices are guided by integrity. We’ll protect what you deserve.

We work tirelessly and fight tenaciously to hold workplace harassment abusers accountable.

If you’ve experienced a distressing incident related to an issue like this, call us for a free case evaluation.

Did You Know?

Los Angeles Pregnancy Harassment
The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer.
Los Angeles Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo harassment cases include those where an employer makes certain job benefits contingent on an employee’s acceptance of sexual advances or conduct.
Los Angeles Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take so many forms, from inappropriate touching and requests for sexual favors, to crude and offensive jokes and comments. It takes experienced harassment lawyers to properly evaluate your claims.

More About Your Workplace Harassment Rights

Is It Illegal, or Just Unfair?

Legal cases can be lengthy, complicated, and confusing. We understand how difficult it is for an individual to navigate the California courts and legal system to redress violations faced at work. That’s why our experienced Los Angeles employment lawyers will be your partners so you don’t have to take on the system all by yourself. We take the time to understand your predicament, do the legwork to investigate your employer, gather all the necessary information, and advocate for you tirelessly.

If you believe someone has violated your individual rights or the rights of a group of people in your community, we can help you find the right course of action. Our team of Los Angeles workplace harassment lawyers will help you understand your rights and take action. 

At Matern Law Group, we use our legal knowledge and experience to work in your best interests. Don’t wait to take action; our experienced Los Angeles workplace harassment lawyers will listen and fight to protect your rights.

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