Employee Protections in Los Angeles: Hiring a Sexual Harassment Attorney
Employees in Los Angeles have strong legal protections against sexual harassment in the workplace. Whether facing quid pro quo harassment, where job benefits are conditioned on sexual favors, or enduring a hostile work environment, employees have the right to take legal action against their employer. California and federal laws provide critical protections, and hiring a sexual harassment attorney can help victims file a lawsuit, hold their employer accountable, and secure compensation for damages.
Understanding Your Case
Miracle Mile Law Group Employee Protections in Los Angeles: Caitlyn Handy, Esq.
“Every employee in Los Angeles deserves a workplace free from harassment and fear. At Miracle Mile Law Group, we empower workers to stand up for their rights and take legal action against employers who violate the law.”
What Laws Protect Employees from Sexual Harassment?
Both California and federal laws prohibit sexual harassment and give employees legal recourse if they experience harassment at work. Employers are required to prevent, investigate, and take corrective action when sexual harassment occurs.
California Laws Protecting Employees from Sexual Harassment
California offers some of the strongest workplace protections against sexual harassment in the country, going beyond federal laws in many ways.
- Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA):
- Covers all workplaces with at least one employee or independent contractor (stronger than federal law).
- Prohibits sexual harassment by supervisors, coworkers, and third parties.
- Holds employers strictly liable for harassment by supervisors.
- Requires immediate corrective action when harassment is reported.
- California Civil Rights Department (CRD) Regulations:
- Enforces workplace harassment laws and investigates complaints.
- Allows employees to file complaints against employers violating FEHA.
- Senate Bill 1343 (SB 1343) – Sexual Harassment Training Requirements:
- Requires employers with five or more employees to provide training every two years.
- Ensures supervisors receive two hours of training and non-supervisors receive one hour.
- California Labor Code 1102.5 – Whistleblower Protections:
- Protects employees from retaliation after reporting sexual harassment.
- Covers internal complaints (to HR) and external complaints (to government agencies).
- California Constitution, Article I, Section 8:
- Prohibits sex-based discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
- Ensures employees have equal access to job opportunities without harassment.
Federal Laws Protecting Employees from Sexual Harassment
While California provides broader protections, federal laws set the national standard for workplace sexual harassment claims.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964:
- Prohibits quid pro quo and hostile work environment harassment.
- Applies to employers with 15 or more employees (California law applies to smaller businesses).
- Protects employees from retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.
Enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- EEOC Regulations on Sexual Harassment:
- Defines sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination.
- Requires employers to investigate harassment complaints and take action.
Under both California and federal law, employees have the right to a workplace free from harassment. When an employer fails to address sexual harassment, they can be held legally accountable in a lawsuit.
Hiring an Attorney to File a Lawsuit Against Your Employer for Quid Pro Quo or Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment
Filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against an employer is a complex legal process that requires strong evidence, documentation, and legal expertise. An experienced sexual harassment attorney can help employees navigate the legal system, protect their rights, and fight for compensation.
When Can You File a Lawsuit Against Your Employer?
Employees have grounds for legal action if they experience:
- Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment:
- Job benefits, raises, or promotions were conditioned on sexual favors.
- Threats of termination or demotion for refusing sexual advances.
- Hostile Work Environment:
- Persistent sexual comments, jokes, or unwanted advances.
- Offensive or sexually explicit materials displayed in the workplace.
- Ongoing harassment that interferes with job performance.
- Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Harassment:
- Being fired, demoted, or reassigned after reporting harassment.
- Pay cuts, reduced hours, or workplace exclusion as punishment.
If any of these violations occur, a sexual harassment attorney can file a lawsuit against the employer for damages.
How a Sexual Harassment Attorney Helps Your Case
A Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney helps employees build strong cases by:
- Gathering Evidence:
- Collecting emails, texts, recordings, and witness statements.
- Preserving HR complaints and employer responses.
- Filing a Complaint with the CRD or EEOC:
- Before filing a lawsuit, employees must file a complaint with the CRD or EEOC.
- An attorney ensures all deadlines are met and paperwork is properly filed.
- Negotiating a Settlement:
- Many employers prefer to settle cases out of court to avoid negative publicity.
- An attorney negotiates the highest possible compensation for the employee.
- Taking the Case to Trial if Needed:
- If a fair settlement is not offered, the attorney represents the employee in court.
- The goal is to prove employer liability and win compensation for damages.
Compensation Available in a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Employees who win sexual harassment lawsuits may be entitled to:
- Back Pay and Lost Wages: Compensation for paychecks missed due to retaliation or job loss.
- Emotional Distress Damages: Payment for mental health suffering, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Punitive Damages: Additional compensation if the employer’s misconduct was intentional or severe.
- Legal Fees and Court Costs: Reimbursement for attorney’s fees and case expenses.
Why Hiring a Sexual Harassment Attorney is Crucial
Employers often deny responsibility or try to dismiss complaints by making false claims. A skilled employment attorney ensures that employees have the legal support needed to prove their case and recover damages.
At Miracle Mile Law Group, our Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys only represent employees, never employers. We fight to hold companies accountable for harassment and retaliation and work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
Take Legal Action as an Employee in Los Angeles
If you have experienced sexual harassment or retaliation at work, do not wait to take action. California law gives you limited time to file a claim, and employers must be held accountable for workplace misconduct.
Contact Miracle Mile Law Group today for a free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney. We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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.
A hostile work environment happens when repeated harassment creates an intimidating or offensive workplace. This includes inappropriate comments, unwanted advances, or sexual jokes. Employers must prevent and address these conditions, and employees have the right to take legal action.
Work With a Top-Rated Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney to Fight for Justice
- Experienced Trial Attorneys Who Win Cases: We are aggressive litigators prepared to take your case to court if your employer refuses to settle.
- Dedicated to Employee Rights in Los Angeles: We exclusively represent employees, never corporations, ensuring your best interests come first.
- No Upfront Fees and No Cost Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket, and we only get paid if we successfully win your case.
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.