Harassment from Bosses vs. Coworkers
In California, workplace sexual harassment is illegal no matter who commits it, but the law treats harassment from supervisors differently than harassment from coworkers. If you’re facing offensive conduct at work, whether it’s coming from your manager, a fellow employee, or even a third party, you have rights under the law. At Miracle Mile Law Group, we help workers in Los Angeles hold employers accountable and pursue compensation when they’re subjected to harassment, retaliation, or hostile work environments.
Understanding Your Case
Miracle Mile Law Group Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney: Caitlyn Handy, Esq.
“Whether the harassment comes from a manager or a coworker, your rights as an employee remain the same, our job is to make sure your voice is heard and the law is enforced.”
When a Supervisor or Boss Commits Harassment
When the person harassing you is your direct manager, supervisor, or someone with authority over your job duties, California law holds your employer strictly liable. That means your employer can be legally responsible even if they claim they were unaware of the behavior. This is especially true in quid pro quo sexual harassment situations, where job benefits or continued employment are offered in exchange for sexual favors. Employees in Los Angeles may also face severe retaliation for turning down advances or reporting inappropriate behavior.
Key examples of harassment by supervisors include:
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Threatening to fire or demote you for refusing advances
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Offering promotions or raises in exchange for dates or sexual favors
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Inappropriate touching, comments, or gestures from someone in a position of authority
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Retaliation or increased scrutiny after reporting the harassment
If you’re experiencing this type of harassment, legal action can be taken directly against the employer, even if HR was never informed of the misconduct.
Harassment by Coworkers and Peers
Harassment by coworkers is also illegal, but different legal standards apply. Employers are not automatically liable unless they knew, or should have known, about the harassment and failed to take immediate and appropriate action to stop it. In other words, employees are usually required to report the harassment internally before the employer can be held responsible.
Common forms of coworker harassment include:
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Offensive jokes or sexual comments made repeatedly at work
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Unwanted touching or physical intimidation in shared workspaces
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Spreading sexual rumors or making suggestive remarks
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Cyberbullying or inappropriate messages sent on workplace platforms
In Los Angeles workplaces, employers are legally obligated to maintain a harassment-free environment. If your report is ignored, or if no corrective action is taken, you may have grounds to file a claim.
Legal Standards and Employer Liability in Los Angeles
The law views supervisors and coworkers differently because of the power imbalance involved. A supervisor has the authority to make decisions that directly impact your employment, such as hiring, firing, promotion, or discipline. That makes their actions carry more legal weight and risk for the employer. With coworkers, the legal burden shifts more toward whether the company acted appropriately after being informed.
Important differences in liability:
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Supervisor harassment creates automatic employer liability if harassment is proven
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Coworker harassment creates employer liability only if they failed to act
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Failure to investigate or protect the employee opens the company to lawsuits
Employers in Los Angeles must have clear anti-harassment policies and conduct regular training. If they ignore complaints or downplay the misconduct, they can be held accountable for any resulting harm.
What You Can Do If You're Being Harassed at Work in Los Angeles
If you’re being harassed by a boss or coworker, you have legal rights and options to protect yourself. Start by documenting everything, including dates, times, what was said or done, and who was present. Report the behavior to HR or a trusted manager. If the harassment continues or you feel unsafe, it’s time to contact a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney.
Steps to protect yourself include:
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Documenting the behavior in writing, including any physical or digital evidence
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Filing an internal complaint with HR or your employer
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Seeking legal advice to understand your rights and potential for compensation
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Filing a claim with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or EEOC
At Miracle Mile Law Group, we represent employees. If you’ve been harassed at work in Los Angeles, our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you hold your harasser and employer accountable.
Our attorneys represent employees who have experienced workplace sexual harassment, including unwanted advances, inappropriate conduct, and retaliation for reporting misconduct. We fight to hold employers accountable and secure justice for victims through legal action.
Quid pro quo harassment happens when a supervisor or employer demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits like promotions or raises. It is an abuse of power and illegal under California and federal law. Employees who face retaliation for refusing advances have the right to take legal action.
Employers are responsible for preventing and addressing workplace sexual harassment. They can be held liable if they ignore complaints or allow a hostile work environment. Failure to act can result in legal consequences and compensation for victims.
Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under California and federal law. Employers cannot fire, demote, or mistreat employees for speaking out. If you face retaliation after reporting harassment, you have the right to take legal action and seek compensation.
Leading Hostile Work Environment Attorneys in Los Angeles
We Fight Toxic Workplace Cultures: If you’re facing constant harassment or inappropriate behavior at work, we’re here to help you take legal action.
Experienced in Hostile Work Environment Cases: Our attorneys have handled complex claims involving ongoing harassment, bullying, and employer inaction.
No Cost to Start, No Fee Unless We Win: Your case consultation is free, and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Have Questions? Call us directly at (866) 395-6077 to speak with our sexual harassment attorneys
Free Consultations for Sexual Harassment Cases in Los Angeles
Contact Miracle Mile Law Group today to talk about your case with an experienced sexual harassment attorney.