Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyers Protecting Victims of Workplace Sexual Harassment for Over 25 Years
Sexual harassment at work in Los Angeles targets employees and job applicants through unwanted sexual contact, comments, and actions. Perpetrators include employers, CEOs, supervisors, managers, coworkers, clients, customers, and nonemployees.
Employment sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that targets men and women in the workplace without prejudice. Harassers can be of the same sex or different sex. Federal and California state laws prohibit all forms of sex discrimination in the workplace.
The Los Angeles workplace offers unique opportunities. However, they also offer unique causes for sexual harassment. It is the home to some of the most influential celebrities in the world.
As a victim of sexual harassment in Los Angeles, you need a lawyer who understands the issues relating to sexual harassment in LA. You need an attorney who knows you have experienced a violation at the same place you earn your livelihood. You deserve an advocate for your rights.
Your sexual harassment lawyer should stand by your side and explain every aspect of the legal process. He can prepare you for every deposition, settlement conference, and legal process from the moment you file your first claim. Your sexual harassment lawyer is a trusted advocate, advisor, and confidant throughout the entire legal process.
For over 25 years, the dedicated Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group have helped victims of workplace sexual harassment get the compensation they deserve.
What Are the Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment Claims in Los Angeles?
Sexual harassment at work can cause two types of claims: Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Work Environment.
- Quid Pro Quo. A quid pro quo claim occurs when employees receive advances in the workplace or favorable treatment in exchange for sexual favors.
For instance, your employer requests sexual actions from you. In exchange, he offers you a substantial raise.
Additionally, quid pro quo actions can occur when you lose a right or privilege at work in retaliation for denying your employer’s boss’s, manager’s, or business associates’ sexual advances. For instance, your boss asks you out on a date, and you say no. He warns you if you do not go out with him, he will take away any weekend hours on your schedule. You say no again. He removes your hours for Saturday and Sunday for the upcoming week.
- Hostile Work Environment. A hostile work environment occurs when sexual treatment intimidates you. As a result, you are unable to complete daily work activities.
A hostile work environment occurs when you must constantly fight off sexual advances, comments, and contact. No matter how many times you ask your harasser to stop, they keep the behavior going. It becomes severe and invasive.
In some instances, you may not be the direct target of the harassment. However, you find it offensive and distracting. It makes the work environment impossible to manage.
What Are Examples of Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles, CA?
Sexual harassment at work occurs in many situations. Some examples may include:
- Your employer promises you a promotion in exchange for sex.
- Your supervisor fires you for reporting her sexual advances.
- Your CEO sets a policy for all women to wear low-cut shirts and maintain a bodyweight under 120 pounds.
- Your coworker massages your back every time you speak with him. You ask him to stop, and he does not.
- Your boss promises a raise if you go to a few non-work-related events like his “arm candy.”
- Your manager sexually assaults you.
- Your coworker rapes you at the holiday party.
- Your boss continually asks you on dates.
- Your coworker makes sexist remarks about women in the workplace (even though he knows they offend you).
- The hiring manager promises to hire you if you play up her skirt.
- Your client insists you kiss her at the end of every meeting.
Los Angeles is rife with sexual harassment claims. Between the perfect Mediterranean climate, earthquakes and all, and the excitement of the movie industry, lines become very blurry. The examples above are just a few of the many ways sexual harassment occurs in the Los Angeles workplace.
Who Are Victims of Sexual Harassment at Work in Los Angeles, CA?
Sexual harassment affects employees and job applicants in the workplace. Both men and women are victims of sexual harassment. One out of 5 reported sexual harassment claims comes from a male victim.
Sexual harassment in the workplace can occur between two men, two women, a man, and a woman, or several different people of the same or different sexes. Sexual harassment at work knows no boundaries.
If you think you are the victim of sexual harassment at work, consult a compassionate sexual harassment attorney to help file your claim. Your sexual harassment lawyer can help sort through the details of your case and draft a claim that best demonstrates the experience and its profound effect on you.
What is Online Harassment in the Workplace in Los Angeles?
Sexual harassment can occur in person or online. Online sexual harassment affects a large number of employees. Many employees are now working from home. The trend may continue as technology continues to advance.
Many harassers feel more comfortable harassing their coworkers and employees from behind a computer screen. They may make sexual comments, share sexual photos, videos, and images, and send sexting messages without the same fear of repercussions.
Online sexual harassment also includes sexual bullying, cyberstalking, taking unauthorized videos of others, revenge porn, and more. Sometimes sexual harassment is direct. Direct sexual harassment means that you receive harassment targeted towards you.
Sometimes sexual harassment is indirect. Indirect harassment means that others receive images, text messages, emails, and photos in which you are the intended victim. For instance, revenge porn is a perfect example of indirect harassment.
Sexual harassment laws prohibit online sexual harassment as much as they prohibit in-person sexual harassment. Victims must inform their supervisors or HR about any acts of online sexual harassment. However, if the behavior does not stop, you may have a sexual harassment claim against your workplace.
Working with a Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer can help you collect evidence. They can help you file a complaint against your employer for online sexual harassment. Your employment sexual harassment lawyer from the Derek Smith Law Group in Los Angeles can advocate for you even when battling online sexual harassment.
What Laws Protect Victims of Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Federal and state laws protect employees from sexual harassment at work in Los Angeles. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees in companies with 15 or more workers. Title VII allows victims to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Once they receive EEOC approval, they may file their complaint in federal court.
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is California’s Sexual Harassment Law. This law protects employees from sexual harassment in Los Angeles and other California workplaces. Employers with 5 or more employees must follow the guidelines of the law or risk litigation.
Employees must file claims with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing before filing their case in state court.
The experienced sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group in Los Angeles can help you determine which law best suits your case. They can help you file your claim with the appropriate agency to move forward with your lawsuit.
Can People Experience Sexual Harassment in Public Places or School in Los Angeles?
State law prohibits sexual harassment in places of public accommodations and housing in Los Angeles. Whether you are at one of the many landmarks, such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Capitol Records Building, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, or more, or enjoying the stores lining Hollywood Boulevard, or even enjoying a game at the Staples Center, you have a right to enjoy your time without sexual harassment.
The Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibits sexual harassment and sex discrimination in places of public accommodations and housing.
Public places affected under the law include, but are not limited to:
- Hotels
- Retail establishments
- Medical Offices
- Theaters
- Museums
- Salons
Sexual harassment victims file their claims with the DFEH before filing in state court.
Federal law prohibits sexual harassment in any educational institution in Los Angeles. Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 prohibits sexual harassment in any school receiving federal money. Almost all schools receive some form of federal funding, including scholarships and grants.
Can Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles Be a Criminal Offense?
When sexual harassment physically harms your body or well-being, you may have a claim for criminal sexual harassment.
Criminal sexual harassment occurs in instances of rape and sexual assault. If you experience these forms of sexual harassment, you should file a police report to press charges against your attacker.
When you press charges against your attacker, you become a witness in a criminal sexual harassment case. Your purpose is to help ensure your attacker is properly punished for his actions.
However, you can also file a civil lawsuit against your attacker.
The civil suit allows you to obtain financial retribution against your attacker. You become an active participant in the lawsuit as a plaintiff. Furthermore, you do not need to win your criminal case. You do not even need to file a criminal case to file a civil lawsuit.
If you are the victim of a criminal sexual attack at work, contact the sexual harassment lawyers and former sex-crimes prosecutors at the Derek Smith Law Group in Los Angeles. Our team of dedicated attorneys can help you file your claim to begin the civil lawsuit against your attacker.
How Do Sexual Harassment Victims Report Claims in Los Angeles?
You can report sexual harassment through federal or local laws. To report a claim under Title VII, you should file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC investigates your charge and issues a Right to Sue Letter. You may then submit your complaint in federal court.
You may wish to file a claim under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. You can file with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). You may submit by phone, email, online, or USPS.
It is best to speak with an experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer to determine the best way to file your claim. Each option offers its own benefits.
The experienced sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group in Los Angeles will explain your legal options. They will stand with you as you fight for your employee rights. Their goal is to help you file the most appropriate claim for your action and stand by your side as your partner in fighting sexual harassment at work.
Can an Employer Fire You for Refusing Sexual Advances or Reporting Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles?
Sexual harassment laws also prohibit retaliation against employees who refuse sexual advances or report sexual harassment claims. Firing an employee for these reasons is wrongful termination.
Federal and California laws include provisions against retaliation in the workplace. These provisions prevent employers from discouraging other victims from reporting or accepting sexual harassment out of fear of losing their job, or worse.
If you experience wrongful termination or other retaliation related to sexual harassment, consult with a dedicated Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer immediately. The lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group take pride in fighting against all forms of retaliation relating to sexual harassment. They can advocate for your rights as an employee in the Los Angeles workplace.
What Is the Time Limit to File Your Sexual Harassment Claim in Los Angeles, CA?
The time limit, or statute of limitations, to file your sexual harassment claim varies between federal and state laws.
Under Title VII, you have 300 days to file your claim with the EEOC. Once you receive your Right to Sue Letter from the EEOC, you have 90 days to file your complaint in federal court.
Under the FEHA, you have 3 years to file a claim for sexual harassment in the workplace with the DFEH. You do not have to wait for the DFEH to complete an investigation to get a Right to Sue letter. Instead, you may request the letter immediately and then file your complaint in state court.
The dedicated employment discrimination and sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group will help you ensure your complaint is filed with the proper agency or the courts within the appropriate time frame. By submitting your legal filings on time, your attorneys will help ensure your case sees its day in court.
How Long Will A Sexual Harassment Lawsuit in Los Angeles Last?
From the moment you file your Los Angeles sexual harassment lawsuit, you can begin settlement negotiations with your employer. Your employer may try to settle the claim quickly. In that case, you may settle your claim as soon as 3 to 6 months.
However, some employers will not settle the case right away. They may never agree to a reasonable settlement. These cases will go through the court system. They may take as long as 10 years or more to reach a final judgment.
It is best to work with a dedicated California sexual harassment attorney who will help work towards a reasonable settlement agreement as quickly as possible. The experienced sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group in Los Angeles can help you reach a settlement as quickly as possible. However, if your case must go to a Los Angeles courtroom, your attorney will zealously fight for your rights to reach a judgment as quickly as possible.
What Remedies Are Available to Employment Sexual Harassment Victims in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles courts want to help victims of sexual harassment at work. If you win your case, the courts will likely give you relief, such as monetary awards. They may also reinstate your job, insist the harasser be removed from their position, and even insist the company changes their policies and procedures.
Your sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles will help you request the compensation and remedies to help lead you towards the justice you deserve. The dedicated sexual harassment lawyers within the Derek Smith Law Group will advocate for the relief you so rightly deserve. They will help you create your demand letter to receive legal remedies to move forward with your life.
Why Should You Work with an Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles employment culture is not like anywhere else in the United States. With close to 4 million residents, Los Angeles is the second most populated city in the US.
Los Angeles includes many historical landmarks, such as the Hollywood Sign, the Capitol Records Building, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Angels Flight, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, Getty Villa, and the Stahl House, to name a few.
Los Angeles also includes some amazing tourist attractions, such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, L.A. Live, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Venice Canal Historic District and boardwalk, Theme Building, Bradbury Building, U.S. Bank Tower, Wilshire Grand Center, Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles City Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Battleship USS Iowa, Watts Towers, Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, and Olvera Street.
Therefore, Los Angeles includes a truly diverse employee population, combined with a slew of tourists and people interested in learning the history of the city. Of course, there are wealthy individuals that work within the entertainment industry and wealthy corporate conglomerates. However, Los Angeles also includes its working-class individuals and even its poor.
Whether you work for Los Angeles’s largest employers, like Kaiser Permanente, University of Southern California, the Northrop Grumman Corp., Walt Disney Company, NBC, ABC, Providence Health and Services Southern California, or Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, or one of the smaller business offices or companies within the Los Angeles borders, you need a lawyer to help navigate the legal system and exercise your employee rights.
Working with a dedicated sexual harassment lawyer will help ensure you find the right laws to help your employment sexual harassment legal claim. Furthermore, your compassionate sexual harassment attorney can help you draft your charge to showcase the incidents leading to your claim. They can ensure you properly tell your story.
Your sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles will also help you draft the remedies best suited for your claim and the relief you need. Leaving your claim and remedies to chance can ruin your chances of meeting the necessary time limits to file your claim and legal documents. It can also create an issue when looking for remedies.
The dedicated and experienced sexual harassment laws at the Derek Smith Law Group in Los Angeles can help ensure you meet all timelines. They can ensure you file your claim with the appropriate agency. They can even help you request the remedies that you truly need.
The Lawyers of the Derek Smith Law Group Proudly Call Los Angeles Home
Los Angeles is a city rich in culture with a beautiful climate and a diverse society. From the moment it joined the union in 1847, California began making history. The first Railroad ran between Los Angeles and New Orleans in 1876 with the completion of the Southern Pacific line. The second railroad in the country was the Santa Fe Railroad (completed in 1885).
Los Angeles is the home of petroleum, which was first discovered there in 1892. This discovery helped promote California to the US’s largest producer of oil.
Los Angeles has a strong culture within the United States. The entertainment industry began in Hollywood, which merged with Los Angeles in 1910, bringing their already booming industry along.
However, in addition to movies, Los Angeles introduced legal presence in zoning. The first zoning laws were created in Los Angeles in 1908. The Los Angeles City Council introduced zoning for both residential and commercial land use. These ordinances are the backdrop for zoning laws across the country today.
Los Angeles also boasts a diverse population. Over 50% of the population consists of Asian, Hispanic, and African American citizens. While the majority of citizens within the city of Los Angeles practice a sect of Christianity, there are plenty of places for worship under other religions, such as Judaism and Muslim practices.
The lawyers of the Derek Smith Law Group understand the culture within the city of Los Angeles, making it a wonderful place to live and raise a family. However, the beauty of the city helps make even the worst days one to enjoy.
The Mediterranean climate means the weather is almost always perfect. The temperature never dips below the high 60s and often stays within the 80s during the majority of the year. The beaches are beautiful, and the Pacific Ocean provides crystal clear water for all to enjoy.
It makes sense why the attorneys of the Derek Smith Law Group love to live in and around Los Angeles. You may see them out enjoying the beautiful beaches or some of the amazing landmarks when they are not advocating for your employee rights in the Los Angeles judicial system.
Contact Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyers for Free Case Consultation
Sexual harassment at work is as much a problem now as it was 10 years ago. As an employee in Los Angeles, you have the right to work in an environment free from sex discrimination and sexual harassment.
Do not wait another moment to get justice. Call one of the best Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group at 310-602-6050. Come in for a free consultation and never pay a fee until you recover. Any cases and business handled in California are handled exclusively through Derek Smith Law Group, LLP, an entity completely distinct from Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC.
Contact an experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer today for a free consultation!