Trusted Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer Protecting Your Rights

Any form of sexual harassment in the workplace – verbal, physical or visual – is clearly illegal, victimizing hard-working employees and contributing to a hostile work environment.

Have you been the target of harassment on the basis of sex, gender or alternative lifestyle? Were you punished by your employer, a supervisor or a co-worker because you were a whistleblower who reported these activities?

You deserve better. You deserve justice. Experienced Los Angeles employment law attorney Golan Law, P.C., works hard to achieve that justice for you. To schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about filing a sexual harassment lawsuit, contact him today.

How Attorney Jeremy Golan Can Make A Difference

As your lawyer, Jeremy Michael Golan, listens carefully to your descriptions of sexual harassment that were spoken, acted out with unwelcome physical contact or inappropriately posted visually at your workplace. He looks into the details of your claim and prepares your case as if it is going to trial.

If litigation is needed to resolve your dispute, he will not hesitate to provide a strong voice for you in court. With over 20 years of experience assisting sexual harassment victims take legal action, you can trust him to fight for your rights and protect you from further emotional distress.

What Are The Different Types Of Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that can manifest in various forms, significantly impacting an employee’s comfort, performance and overall workplace environment. Understanding the different types of sexual harassment is crucial for both preventing it and taking action if it occurs.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo, Latin for “this for that,” refers to situations where job benefits are directly tied to an employee submitting to unwelcome sexual advances or conduct. Typically, this type of harassment is perpetrated by someone in a position of authority, such as a supervisor or manager, who has the power to influence the victim’s job status or conditions.

Examples include:

• A supervisor promising a promotion in exchange for sexual favors.
• Threatening poorer job evaluations or even termination if sexual advances are rejected.

Quid pro quo harassment is particularly insidious as it explicitly links an individual’s career advancement or job security to submitting to sexual conduct, making it not only unethical but also illegal.

Hostile Work Environment

This form of sexual harassment occurs when an employee experiences unwelcome sexual conduct that is so frequent or severe that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, or when it interferes with the employee’s job performance. It can be perpetrated by anyone in the workplace, including supervisors, co-workers or even nonemployees such as clients.

A hostile work environment is characterized by:

• Inappropriate touching, suggestive remarks or jokes of a sexual nature.
• Displaying sexually explicit materials in the workplace.
• Persistent sexual advances, sexual contact or obscene messages.

The key aspect of a hostile work environment is that the conduct must be unwelcome and either severe or pervasive enough to affect the terms and conditions of employment or to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile or abusive.

Both types of sexual harassment are prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California state law. If you encounter either form of harassment, consulting with an experienced attorney at Golan Law, P.C., can provide guidance and help protect your rights in the workplace.

What Are Common Examples Of Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms, and some instances are not as obvious as others. Common examples of sexual harassment include:

• Unwanted physical touching: This includes any form of unnecessary or unwanted physical contact, such as patting, pinching, stroking or brushing up against someone in a sexual manner. It can make the workplace feel unsafe for the victim.
• Sexual comments or jokes: Making sexually suggestive comments or jokes about someone’s appearance, sexual orientation or personal life. This behavior can create a hostile environment and is often used to demean or intimidate.
• Displaying sexually explicit material at work: Including posters, calendars, wallpapers or screensavers of a sexual nature in the workplace. This can contribute to an offensive and uncomfortable work environment.
• Sexual advances: Unwelcome sexual advances, whether they involve physical touching or not, can be a form of harassment. This might include repeated requests for dates or sexual favors, especially when tied to employment benefits (quid pro quo).
• Intrusive questions or comments about your personal life: Asking inappropriate questions about personal relationships or sexual preferences, or making comments that are not relevant to work responsibilities.
• Sending sexually explicit messages: This could be in the form of emails, texts or social media messages containing inappropriate images, videos or texts.
• Leering or making sexual gestures: Staring in a sexually suggestive manner or making gestures that could be interpreted as sexually offensive.

If you have questions about whether something at work constitutes sexual harassment, attorney Jeremy Golan is here to help.

How Can You Report Sexual Harassment In The Workplace?

In California, there are specific steps you can take to report a sexual harassment complaint in the workplace. Understanding your rights and the proper channels to follow can help ensure your concerns are addressed effectively and that you are protected from retaliation.

Here’s how you can proceed:

• Review your company’s harassment policy: Most companies are required to have an anti-harassment policy in place. This policy should outline how to report harassment within the company. Typically, you can report to your supervisor, the human resources department or a designated company officer.
• Document the incidents: Keep a detailed record of all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and any witnesses. Documentation can provide essential evidence for your claim.
• File an internal complaint: Follow your company’s procedure for filing a complaint. This usually involves submitting a written complaint to your human resources department. Be as detailed as possible in your complaint.
• Contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH): If your employer does not address the harassment, or if you are dissatisfied with the resolution, you can file a complaint with the DFEH. The DFEH is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. You can file a complaint online, by mail, or by phone.
• File a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): You also have the option to file a charge with the EEOC, the federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws. In many cases, filing with the DFEH is sufficient, as it cross-files with the EEOC.

Reporting sexual harassment can be daunting, but remember that California’s sexual harassment law offers robust protections against harassment and retaliation. By taking action, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to a safer, more respectful work environment for everyone.

What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney From Golan Law, P.C.?

Hiring a sexual harassment attorney from Golan Law, P.C., in Los Angeles offers numerous advantages. Attorney Jeremy Golan is well-versed in California’s specific laws and brings a wealth of experience handling such cases, ensuring experienced representation in negotiations and trials.

He provides personalized attention, tailoring his legal services to meet each client’s unique needs while protecting against retaliation as mandated by law. He is committed to maximizing your compensation and handling all cases with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity. This approach not only ensures your rights are protected but also gives you the peace of mind needed to focus on your recovery and future.

Protecting Employee Rights

You should not have to suffer any form of workplace harassment, including unwanted touching or sexual advances, sexually suggestive comments or physical touching while pursuing your work duties. Take action now to protect your rights and file a sexual harassment claim by contacting Golan Law, P.C., for a free initial consultation.

Call today at 310-904-6783 or fill out an online contact form. Located in Los Angeles, attorney Golan provides representation throughout Southern California.