Los Angeles Workplace Harassment Attorneys
Workers-Only Representation from Attorneys Who Know How Employers Think
At Laurel Employment Law, APC, we represent workers exclusively. If you’ve been subjected to inappropriate comments, offensive conduct, or a work environment that feels hostile every day, our employment law firm is built for exactly this situation. Our Los Angeles workplace harassment attorneys can act on your behalf and work to pursue the resolution you deserve.
Workplace harassment isn’t just about isolated incidents. It creates an ongoing hostile work environment that affects mental health, productivity, and job security. We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your case so you understand the full scope of your rights and options under California law. Our goal is to help you avoid facing this alone.
Call (310) 929-6371 to schedule a free consultation and learn how our workplace harassment attorneys in Los Angeles can help you.
Do I Have a Workplace Harassment Claim? A Quick Checklist
- I currently work, previously worked, or applied for a job with a California employer
- I was subjected to slurs, derogatory comments, or jokes about who I am
- I was mocked for my accent, language, religious dress or practices, hairstyle, disability, or age
- I was threatened, including threats to report me to immigration or have me deported
- I was shown or sent offensive images, messages, or symbols, or someone physically blocked me, interfered with my work, or assaulted me
- The treatment was tied to my race, color, ancestry, national origin, immigration status, or religion
- The treatment was tied to my sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or marital status
- The treatment was tied to my age (40+), disability, medical condition, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, or military or veteran status
- The conduct was serious, or it happened more than once
- It made it harder to do my job, or made my workplace feel intimidating, hostile, or offensive
- I reported it to HR, a manager, or a supervisor and nothing was done, or the conduct continued (you may still have a claim even if you didn’t report)
- I was fired, demoted, disciplined, or treated worse after I reported the conduct or pushed back
Still not sure if you have a workplace harassment claim in Los Angeles? Call Laurel Employment Law, APC to discuss your case during a free consultation.
How Our LA Workplace Harassment Lawyers Can Help
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What Is Workplace Harassment?
Under California law, workplace harassment is conduct that intimidates, ridicules, or demeans someone, creating a hostile work environment. It can be physical, verbal, or written. Harassment most often involves discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, nationality, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) governs these claims and extends protections beyond federal law, including explicit coverage for gender identity and gender expression. FEHA’s harassment protections apply to employers of all sizes, even those with only one employee.
Harassment can also take subtler forms. Microaggressions, exclusion, and persistent undermining that erode workplace morale over time may be actionable under California’s anti-harassment statutes. If you’re being treated unfairly at work, reach out to a workplace harassment attorney at Laurel Employment Law, APC as soon as possible.
Your Rights Under California Law
California employers with five or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training: supervisors complete two hours every two years, and non-supervisory employees complete one hour every two years. Workers who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and must receive a Right-to-Sue notice before pursuing a lawsuit in state court. Our Los Angeles workplace harassment lawyers can walk you through every step of that process and help you understand your options before you commit to a course of action.
Legal Options for Addressing Harassment at Work
If you’re experiencing workplace harassment, you have several ways to address it and seek justice:
- Internal Complaints: You can file a formal complaint with your employer’s human resources department. Employers are legally obligated to investigate promptly and address reported harassment.
- Government Agency Complaints: You can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), both of which investigate workplace harassment claims.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If other options don’t produce a fair resolution, you can file a lawsuit seeking damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other harm the harassment caused.
Mediation can also serve as a viable intermediate step, giving both parties an opportunity to reach a resolution before formal litigation. If you’re unsure which path makes sense for your situation, our team can help you think it through.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Use our online form to connect with an experienced workplace harassment attorney in Los Angeles right away.
Understanding the Workplace Harassment Claim Process
Contact Our Los Angeles Workplace Harassment Attorneys Today
No form of harassment is too small to take seriously. After experiencing this kind of misconduct, it’s natural to feel unsure of your next step or afraid of facing retaliation for speaking up. We’re prepared to handle retaliation claims as well, and we can work to protect your voice throughout the process.
We’re proud to represent California workers in harassment cases and other employment law matters. Every day, we work to help people across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley pursue safe, respectful workplaces.
Reach out to schedule a consultation. Our team is ready to hear your story, assess your situation, and explain what pursuing justice can involve. We meet in person or virtually, whichever works best for you. There’s no financial risk in reaching out: consultations are free and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we achieve a successful outcome.
Schedule your consultation by calling (310) 929-6371 or contacting us online to speak with our workplace harassment lawyers in Los Angeles.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 310-929-6371 today!
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What Steps Should I Take If I’m Harassed at Work?
If you find yourself a victim of workplace harassment, it’s critical to take immediate and thoughtful actions. First, document every incident meticulously, noting dates, times, locations, and potential witnesses. Review your employer's handbook or policy on harassment, which will likely outline your rights and the reporting procedure.
Report the harassment to your supervisor or HR department promptly, providing them with all your documented evidence. If your internal report does not lead to a resolution, elevate your complaint to state or federal agencies like the CRD or EEOC. Speaking with an attorney who handles employment law could also provide insight and additional options for redress. Reach out to a seasoned workplace harassment lawyer from Laurel Employment Law, APC right away.
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Can I Be Retaliated Against for Reporting Harassment?
California law explicitly prohibits retaliation against employees who report workplace harassment. Retaliation can take many forms, including demotion, termination, unwarranted disciplinary actions, or other adverse changes in your work environment. It is your right to speak out against harassment without fear of retaliation, and if you experience such behavior, you can take legal action against your employer.
If you face retaliation, document all incidents meticulously, as they can form the basis for an additional complaint. Consult with a work harassment lawyer in Los Angeles to explore your options, which might include filing a separate lawsuit for retaliation. Ensuring that your rights are protected under the law is critical, and taking swift action can help prevent further negative consequences.
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What If the Harassment Comes from a Supervisor?
Harassment from a supervisor is particularly serious due to the power imbalance, which can make the work environment untenable. If a supervisor is the harasser, it's crucial to report the behavior to another authority within your organization, such as the HR department or a higher-level manager. Documenting each instance is even more important in these situations.
In cases involving a supervisor, reaching out to an attorney might provide the additional leverage needed to ensure that your complaint is taken seriously and addressed promptly. Our Los Angeles workplace harassment attorneys can assist you in understanding the full implications of the harassment, your employer's legal obligations, and your options moving forward.
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How Can Laurel Employment Law, APC Support My Harassment Claim?
At Laurel Employment Law, APC, we provide compassionate support throughout your legal journey, ensuring you’re fully informed and empowered to pursue justice. Our team offers personalized consultations to discuss your experience in depth, identifying potential strategies and solutions tailored to your situation. We leverage our knowledge of local and state laws to build a robust strategy designed to match the nuances of your specific workplace and industry.
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What Types of Workplace Harassment Does California Law Protect Against?
California law prohibits workplace harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin. Harassment may include offensive comments, unwanted touching, threats, or repeated inappropriate behavior that creates a hostile work environment. A workplace harassment attorney in Los Angeles from Laurel Employment Law, APC can evaluate whether the conduct you experienced may violate state or federal employment laws.
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Do I Need To Report Harassment to My Employer Before Filing a Claim?
In many situations, employees are encouraged to report workplace harassment through internal complaint procedures before filing a legal claim. Reporting the issue can allow the employer to address the conduct and may help strengthen your case later. However, if you fear retaliation or believe reporting would be ineffective, a workplace harassment lawyer can explain your legal options and next steps.
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How Long Do I Have To Bring a Workplace Harassment Claim in Los Angeles?
California employees generally have three years from the last act of harassment to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department before pursuing a lawsuit. Waiting too long can affect your ability to recover damages or preserve evidence. Because deadlines and exceptions can vary depending on the facts, it is important to act promptly if you believe you have experienced unlawful workplace harassment.
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Can I Sue My Employer Directly for Work Harassment?
Most California workplace harassment claims begin with a complaint filed through the California Civil Rights Department. After receiving a Right-to-Sue notice, employees may pursue a lawsuit against an employer or responsible parties in court. Whether you can proceed directly to litigation depends on the circumstances of your case, the type of harassment involved, and whether required administrative steps have been completed. Connect with an experienced workplace harassment lawyer in Los Angeles to confirm if you need to go to litigation.