Can You Sue a Supervisor for Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles?

Supervisors and Employer Liability


In California, employees have the legal right to file a lawsuit if they are sexually harassed by a supervisor. The state’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) makes it clear that employers can be held strictly liable for harassment committed by supervisors. This means the employer may be responsible for the misconduct even if they were not aware it was happening. When a person in a position of authority, such as a manager, team leader, or is a executive uses their role to harass an employee, or ties job benefits to sexual favors, it is considered quid pro quo sexual harassment and is prohibited under California law.

Unlike harassment from a coworker, where the employer’s liability often depends on whether they knew and failed to act, supervisor harassment carries a higher level of employer responsibility. This is because supervisors are seen as acting on behalf of the employer, and their actions reflect directly on the company.

Filing a Lawsuit and Proving Your Case


To pursue legal action against a supervisor for sexual harassment, you must first file an administrative complaint with either the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). After receiving a Right to Sue letter, you can move forward with a civil lawsuit in court.

Building a strong case involves showing that the supervisor’s conduct was unwelcome, that it was either severe or occurred frequently enough to create a hostile work environment, and that it interfered with your ability to work or caused you harm. This can include actions such as inappropriate comments, unwanted touching, pressure to engage in a relationship, or retaliation after rejecting advances.

Evidence is key to proving your claim. Documentation of incidents, emails, messages, witness testimony, and a record of how your job or work environment changed following the harassment can all support your case. An experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney can guide you through the process, handle communication with the employer and legal authorities, and fight to recover compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive damages when appropriate.

Taking legal action against a supervisor can feel intimidating, especially when there is a fear of retaliation. However, California law protects you throughout the process. If you have been harassed by someone in a position of authority at your job, legal help is available to hold them, and your employer accountable.