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Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sexual harassment is illegal in California under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which offers broader protections than federal law. If you have experienced unwanted sexual conduct at work, including comments, touching, requests for sexual favors, or any conduct that makes your workplace hostile or intimidating, California law may give you the right to take legal action. The appropriate steps depend on the specifics of your situation, and a qualified employment attorney can help you evaluate your options.

exual harassment can occur at any level of employment, and frequently happens between a superior and their subordinate. Because of this power imbalance, the employee may feel unable to report the problem for fear of retaliation. Sexual harassment can produce far-reaching emotional and financial consequences for the victim. When you are unsure where to turn for justice, a Los Angeles employment attorney can help explain your rights and fight for you in a court of law.

Blackstone Law is a leading Los Angeles sexual harassment law firm, providing each client with aggressive representation and quality care. Sexual harassment cases can have damaging effects on victims, which is why it is so important to employ a sexual harassment attorney you can trust throughout the process. Operating under the pillars of honesty and integrity, we treat each client as we would treat a family member in order to build a relationship that goes beyond your sexual harassment case.

What Is Considered Sexual Harassment in a Los Angeles, CA Workplace?

One of the worst things about sexual harassment in the workplace is that it is not always obvious. Sometimes, you may be experiencing this form of workplace harassment without even realizing it. You may feel a certain level of discomfort or have to deal with unwelcome advances. Still, you may stop short of labeling sexual harassment even though that is precisely what you have encountered.

Determining what is considered sexual harassment in a Los Angeles, CA workplace is something our employment attorneys is well-versed in. We help clients from all walks of life understand the nature of this form of harassment and how to make sure it does not continue.

What Is Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Workplace sexual harassment is exemplified by unwelcome advances of a sexual nature that may include requests for sexual favors in exchange for certain benefits (known as quid pro quo) which can also create a hostile environment. It is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and applies to workplaces with 15 or more employees. 

Sexual harassment that creates a hostile job environment means that the behavior in question is so egregious that it alters the working conditions for the employee or other staff members, creating feelings of fear, anxiety, or discomfort.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment in a Los Angeles, CA Workplace?

Various actions may constitute workplace sexual harassment in Los Angeles, CA. They include: 

• Repeated comments on an employee’s appearance, even compliments
• Commenting on the attractiveness of staff members
• Sharing nude or revealing photos of employees with others or in a shared environment
• Discussing sexual proclivities in front of employees
• Asking employees about their sexual proclivities 
• Making jokes of a sexual nature 
• Sending sexually explicit or suggestive texts or email
• Leaving unwanted gifts that are sexual or romantic
• Spreading misinformation of a sexual nature about another staff member

The thing to remember about actions that are considered workplace sexual harassment is that they do not have to be directed at you for you to be offended. If you witness sexual harassment in the workplace, you may experience bystander harassment and trauma, even though you were not the target of the direct action. To qualify as harassment, the activity in question must be offensive to the employee in question and a reasonable person in the same situation. 

How to Deal With Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

While there is a chain of reporting you will likely have to follow in the workplace, it helps to consult with an experienced Los Angeles workplace sexual harassment lawyer first. We are committed to working diligently to pursue a strong outcome for you, and not the harasser or your employer. This means that any advice or guidance we offer is in your best interest before anyone else’s involvement in the situation. We will tell you how to report the incident(s), what to expect from the process, and how to follow up to get results quickly.

Moreover, if your employer does not respond in the way they should, we will help you take action. When you are informed of the full scope of your rights and understand what you are entitled to in terms of steps that should be taken on behalf of your employer, you will feel much more confident in navigating this stressful situation. Moreover, if your employer does not take steps to protect you, we will go through the process of filing a claim so that you can seek justice for the hostile work environment to which you have been exposed.

How Do I Know If I’m a Victim of Workplace Sexual Harassment?

Frequently, when abusers are confronted with the reality of their sexual harassment, they may try to excuse their behavior as workplace banter. Worse still, many victims may be hesitant to come forward because they do not believe their experiences constitute harassment or are worried about retaliation. The most fundamental tenet of sexual harassment is that the behavior or speech was unwelcome and offensive to the victim. While the law does not supply a comprehensive list of offenses, it does provide useful guidance. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the workplace harassment may meet the following criteria:

• Quid pro quo: The behavior may be considered quid pro quo harassment if the accuser requests sexual favors in exchange for rewards, promotions, or as a way to avoid punishment.  
• Hostile work environment: When the harassment is prolonged, rather than isolated, it may constitute a hostile work environment. This can include behavior, threats, jokes, or speech that intimidate and offend the victim.

Sexual harassment can be extremely emotional, and anyone can be a victim. In addition to the emotional distress, you may feel unsure about your financial future. When making a preliminary determination as to whether you are or were subjected to workplace sexual harassment, consider the context of the behavior, the frequency of the offense, as well as the nature of the business. 

How Do I Recover from Sexual Harassment in LA?

Before filing a lawsuit, you may wish to (or in some cases have to) file a complaint with the appropriate governing bodies, such as the EEOC or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”). Do not hesitate to consult with a sexual harassment attorney prior to filing a complaint. This may be particularly advisable in cases where you are likely to face retaliation.

For many victims of sexual harassment, the path to recovery involves bringing a case before a judge. By pursuing a court case, victims can hold the perpetrators of wrongdoing responsible for their actions. They can also collect all due benefits and compensation.  There are also ways lawyers can keep victims’ identities confidential.  Aside from pursuing a court case, some tips for victims recovering from sexual harassment are:

• Do not blame yourself: Many victims of sexual harassment, or any sexual crime, will blame themselves, stating they could have done something differently to prevent the abuse. You are never to blame for someone else choosing to abuse you. 

• Accept what happened: As a victim of sexual harassment, you may face retaliation and gaslighting from your abuser. Being able to accept and validate what you went through will be especially healing as you recover from that abuse. 

• Talk to someone: Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can be extremely helpful as you recover from sexual harassment at the workplace. 

• Journal: If you are someone who finds solace in writing down your thoughts, journaling can be a great way to work through your thoughts and feelings regarding your abuse. 

Should I Hire a Los Angeles Lawyer After Being Sexually Assaulted at Work?

Workplace sexual assault and harassment can be incredibly complex legal matters with several liable parties and possible criminal charges. An attorney can help guide you through your next steps as you pursue justice against your abuser. At Blackstone Law, our attorneys understand how emotional and challenging this process can be and are committed to handling your case with discretion and care. A few reasons you should consider hiring a Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer include the following:

Keeping Your Information Confidential

When you speak to an attorney about pursuing a sexual harassment or assault claim, they will investigate and build your case while protecting your identity. They can also help protect you from retaliation in your workplace after you bring your case forward.

Conducting an Investigation Into Your Case

When you retain the services of an experienced employment lawyer, they will launch a thorough investigation into your case. Your attorney can help you collect critical evidence to support your claim, such as correspondence between you and your abuser and witness testimonies. These vital pieces of evidence can become the basis of a strong claim.

Helping You Report the Assault to Your Employer

Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your case, your attorney can help you determine if and when you should report the incident or pattern of behavior to your workplace. They can also help advise you on how to report the incident while protecting your rights.

Determining Liability

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, more than one party may bear liability for the harassment you have endured. Factors such as your abuser’s job title may determine whether your employer can also be held accountable for not preventing the harassment or abuse.

Negotiating With All Parties on Your Behalf

Victims of sexual assault or harassment may find it understandably challenging to interact with their abuser or other members of their hostile work environment. Your attorney will be your fierce advocate through all negotiations and proceedings to help protect your rights and interests.

Filing Paperwork Correctly an On-Time

Sexual harassment and assault claims require extensive and complex legal documentation that must be filed within specific time frames. A seasoned attorney can take this burden off of your shoulders as you recover from your abuse. At Blackstone Law, our attorneys understand the stress you are under and aim to make the complex claims process as straightforward as possible.

Helping You Collect Damages for Your Losses

A victim of sexual harassment or assault often suffers emotional and financial damages. These losses can be exacerbated if you lost your job due to the harassment. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can help you collect all of the available damages to compensate you for your losses. Some of the damages you may be eligible to receive include the following:

• Back pay
• Front pay
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Attorney’s fees

Your attorney will review every detail of your case as well as your unique needs to determine which damages you may be able to recover.

What Should I Look for in a Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney?

Sexual harassment cases frequently involve sensitive information. When selecting an attorney, you should search for one who can become your partner throughout the litigation process. Your Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer will need access to all the relevant details of your case, finding trustworthy counsel who will advocate for your rights is critical. Some other characteristics to look for in a sexual harassment lawyer are:

• A skilled and client-focused legal team
• A law firm that values honesty
• A law firm that sees clients as family rather than just another case
• A law firm with excellent client testimonials and great results

Looking for these characteristics in a law firm can help ensure you are retaining experienced, dedicated representation for your sexual harassment claim.

Why Blackstone Law for a Sexual Harassment Case?

As lawyers, we constantly strive to uphold the rights of the individual, as guaranteed by the justice system. We conduct ourselves to the letter of the law with an emphasis on preserving your legal entitlements.  Our focus is on providing exceptional representation, clarity, compassion, and honesty.

Every sexual harassment case is unique, and all sexual harassment lawyers have a different case management style. Although we cannot promise a quick fix, we will stay in constant contact as your case progresses and work to manage your expectations at every stage of the process. Whenever you have questions, you will be able to reach your lawyer for a quick response. Your best interests are our primary focus, whether that means negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial. When you need dedicated, determined, and honest legal representation, contact the experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyers at Blackstone Law.

If you would like to learn more about workplace sexual harassment lawsuits, consider reviewing our guide to California Employment Law. In this guide, we delve into more detail about your rights as an employee, as well as the legal obligations of your employer. To schedule a free consultation with one of our talented employment lawyers, contact us here or call (310) 956-4054.