Wilshire Law Firm represents workers in Los Angeles and across California whose rights have been violated by employers, helping them understand their protections under state and federal law.
Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles Workplaces
Los Angeles is California’s largest employment market, with workers across virtually every industry. FEHA and Title VII apply to all covered employers in the city, and Los Angeles workers may also have options through the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. When workplace harassment creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment, employees in Los Angeles have legal options under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and, where applicable, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act.
In a city as large and diverse as Los Angeles, workplace harassment occurs across every sector and employment level. California law protects workers whether they are employed by small businesses or major corporations, and the legal process for filing a harassment claim is accessible regardless of the size or prominence of the employer. Understanding what the law requires and what steps are available can help workers make informed decisions about how to proceed.
What Is Sexual Harassment Under California Law?
California law recognizes two primary forms of sexual harassment. Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a supervisor or authority figure conditions employment benefits, such as a promotion, continued employment, or a favorable schedule, on an employee’s submission to sexual conduct. Hostile work environment harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of the victim’s employment.
California’s definition of sexual harassment is broader than federal law in several respects, covering employers with as few as one employee for some claims, and extending protections to independent contractors and unpaid interns in certain circumstances. The harasser does not need to be a supervisor; harassment by coworkers, clients, or third parties may also give rise to a legal claim if the employer knew or should have known about the conduct and failed to take appropriate action.
Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment Claims
Wilshire Law Firm assists workers in Los Angeles with a range of sexual harassment claims, including:
- Hostile work environment created by comments, jokes, or offensive conduct of a sexual nature
- Unwanted physical contact or advances by supervisors, coworkers, or third parties
- Requests for sexual favors linked to job security or advancement
- Retaliation after reporting harassment or participating in an investigation
- Harassment through digital communication, including text messages, emails, and workplace messaging platforms
- Failure by the employer to investigate or respond to complaints of harassment
Every situation is different, and what matters most is whether the conduct you experienced was unwelcome and related to your sex, gender, or a protected characteristic under California law. Wilshire Law Firm specifically represents workers who were retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment.
California Legal Protections for Harassed Workers
FEHA prohibits sexual harassment by employers, supervisors, and coworkers and requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent and address harassment in the workplace. California law also requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide sexual harassment prevention training on a regular basis.
Workers in Los Angeles who experience sexual harassment have the right to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) before pursuing a civil lawsuit. The CRD will issue a right-to-sue notice that allows the worker to move forward with a claim in civil court. There are strict deadlines for filing, which makes it important to understand the timeline early in the process.
What Is the Deadline to File a Sexual Harassment Claim in California?
Under California law, a worker generally must file a complaint with the CRD within three years of the last act of harassment. Once the complaint is filed and a right-to-sue notice is issued, the worker typically has one year to file a civil lawsuit. These timelines may differ depending on the specific facts of a case, including whether the employer is a government entity.
Speaking with an attorney early helps ensure that important deadlines are not missed and that evidence, including records of the conduct and documentation of any reports made to the employer, is preserved.
How Wilshire Law Firm Approaches Sexual Harassment Cases
Wilshire Law Firm represents workers in Los Angeles who are considering taking legal action after experiencing workplace sexual harassment. The firm’s approach focuses on helping clients understand their rights under California law, the likely steps involved in pursuing a claim, and what to expect throughout the process.
Wilshire Law Firm works on a contingency basis, meaning no fees unless you get paid, so cost is not a barrier to speaking with an attorney about what happened.