Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Though most employers strive to ensure the workplace remains free from sexual harassment, statistics indicate that misconduct still occurs with alarming frequency. According to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), there are more than 4,200 complaints filed every year regarding various forms of sexual harassment. This figure represents around 8-10 percent of all filings with the DFEH every year, so too many employees are still subjected to unlawful acts in the work environment.
Our attorneys at the Obagi Law Group, P.C. understand the toll that sexual harassment takes on your life, both professionally and personally. For this reason, we are committed to holding accountable those employers and individuals who flout the California laws that prohibit such treatment. Please contact our firm to consult with a Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer who can explain your rights, and check out some general legal information about these cases.
Summary of California Sexual Harassment Laws
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits two forms of sexual harassment in the workplace.
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Hostile Work Environment: Sexually suggestive comments or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature may create a hostile work environment when an employee feels intimidated, offended, or the subject of hostilities. To rise to the level of “hostile,” the misconduct must be either severe or pervasive, such that it alters the employment environment.
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Quid Pro Quo: This type of sexual harassment may occur when an employee in a supervisory position demands sexual acts, in exchange for a promise of advantageous treatment or refraining from adverse action.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim
Depending on the specifics and type of sexual harassment, you may take action against your employer, the offending employee or supervisor, and designated third parties. Our lawyers at Obagi Law Group, P.C. will guide you through the process, which starts by filing a complaint with the California DFEH. To preserve your rights, you will need to submit the necessary paperwork within three years after you experienced sexual harassment.
Once you file your complaint, the process works as follows:
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DFEH reviews the information you provided in support of your claim, including specific facts, records, and documentation.
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If DFEH determines that the matter warrants in-depth investigation, it will request a response from the person or entity you allege sexually harassed you.
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Where the facts and allegations indicate a violation of sexual harassment laws, DFEH will require both sides to participate in mediation.
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If mediation is not successful or DFEH decides not to proceed, you may initiate litigation in civil court once you have a “Right to Sue” letter.
Through the administrative and judicial processes, it is possible to recover amounts for back pay, front pay, pain and suffering, attorneys’ fees, and other damages.
Discuss Your Options with Our Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorneys
While this summary of the laws may be helpful, it is important to retain experienced legal counsel if you were the target of sexual harassment in the workplace. To learn how we can help, please contact the Obagi Law Group, P.C. at 424-284-2401 to speak to one of our skilled lawyers.
