Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyers Protecting Victims of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment at work targets employees and job applicants through unwanted sexual contact, comments, and actions. Perpetrators include employers, CEOs, supervisors, managers, coworkers, clients, customers, and nonemployees.
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 state laws prohibit any forms of sex discrimination in the workplace.
For over 25 years, the dedicated Los Angeles sexual harassment Attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group have helped victims of workplace sexual harassment get the compensation they deserve.
What Are the Types of 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.
- Hostile Work Environment. A hostile work environment occurs when sexual treatment intimidates you. As a result, you are unable to complete daily work activities.
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 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.
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 is a male victim.
Sexual harassment in the workplace can occur between two men, two women, a man and woman, or several different people of the same or different sexes. Sexual harassment at work knows no boundaries.
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. This law allows victims to file a 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.
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.
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.
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 DHEF 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.
How Long Will A Sexual Harassment Lawsuit in Los Angeles Last?
From the moment you file your 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 in 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 end.
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.
What Remedies Are Available to 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.
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!