Employer Liability for Sexual Harassment Attorneys in Los Angeles

Victims of workplace sexual harassment may be entitled to significant financial compensation when an employer is found liable. The amount of compensation depends on several factors, including the severity of the harassment, the emotional and financial impact on the victim, and whether the employer acted negligently or retaliated. Damages in these cases are designed to compensate victims for their losses and, in some cases, punish employers for egregious misconduct.

1. Economic Damages (Financial Losses Due to Harassment)
These damages compensate victims for financial losses they suffered as a direct result of the harassment or employer retaliation.

• Lost Wages and Benefits: If you were fired, demoted, or forced to quit due to sexual harassment or employer retaliation, you may be entitled to:
  • Back pay for wages lost between termination and settlement.
  • Front pay for future earnings if reinstatement is not an option.
  • Lost benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and stock options.
• Job Search and Career Damage: If harassment forced you to leave your job, you may be compensated for:
  • The time and cost of searching for a new job.
  • Loss of professional opportunities and advancement.
  • Damage to your professional reputation caused by wrongful termination or employer retaliation.
• Medical Expenses for Therapy and Mental Health Treatment: Many victims of sexual harassment suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional distress that require treatment. Compensation can cover:
  • Therapy or counseling costs.
  • Prescription medications for anxiety or depression.
  • Psychological evaluations and ongoing care.

2. Non-Economic Damages (Emotional and Psychological Suffering)
Sexual harassment can have long-lasting emotional effects that impact a victim’s mental well-being, relationships, and ability to work. These damages compensate for intangible harm that is not tied to financial loss.

• Emotional Distress and Pain and Suffering: Courts recognize the severe psychological effects of workplace harassment, including:
  • Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Embarrassment and humiliation caused by public harassment.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life due to emotional trauma.

• Loss of Professional and Personal Relationships: The emotional distress of harassment may lead to:
  • Damaged relationships with colleagues, friends, or family.
  • Isolation or avoidance of social and professional events due to trauma.

3. Punitive Damages (Employer Misconduct Punishment)
In cases where an employer engages in extreme misconduct, a court may award punitive damages to punish the employer and deter future violations.

• Punitive damages are awarded when:
  • The employer knew about the harassment and ignored it.
  • The company retaliated against an employee for reporting misconduct.
  • The employer failed to take action despite multiple complaints.

California has no cap on punitive damages in employment harassment cases, meaning employers may face significant financial penalties if their misconduct was particularly severe.

4. Attorney’s Fees and Legal Costs
Many victims worry about the cost of hiring an attorney, but in successful sexual harassment cases, employers may be required to cover the victim’s legal fees. This includes:

• Attorney’s fees for bringing a lawsuit against an employer.
• Court costs, filing fees, and litigation expenses.
• Expert witness fees if needed to strengthen the case.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
The total amount of damages varies based on:

• The severity and duration of the harassment: Ongoing misconduct typically results in higher compensation.
• The employer’s response to complaints: If the employer ignored or retaliated against the victim, damages may increase.
• The victim’s financial losses: If the victim lost a high-paying job or career opportunities, economic damages may be substantial.
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial: Settlements are typically lower than jury verdicts, but trials involve greater risk and time.

Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you have suffered sexual harassment at work, you deserve justice and financial compensation. At Miracle Mile Law Group, we fight to maximize damages for our clients and ensure employers are held accountable.

• No upfront costs – You only pay if we win.
• Aggressive legal representation to secure the highest compensation possible.
• Proven track record of winning cases against negligent employers.