Sexual Harassment Lawyers Los Angeles County

Name: Sexual Harassment
Brand: Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison
Rating: 4 (51 reviews)

The effects of workplace sexual harassment can be life-altering, especially if your employer refuses to listen to you. If you are struggling with harassment at work, then you should not let your claim go unheard. Reach out to KSJM for the support and guidance you deserve.

Defending The Rights of Victims in Orange County, San Bernardino, & Riverside County

Unfortunately, the type of hostile work environment created by sexual harassment is one of the most widespread problems in California. Sexual harassment is one of the most difficult situations for employees and employers to handle, especially given that some employers may brush off sexual harassment as a joke or strange behavior. As a result, employees may have to deal with unfair and degrading interactions every day.

If you believe you’ve been subjected to sexual harassment at work, our experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyers can investigate the details of the situation and work with you to build a strong case.

The experienced attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison, PC can assist you in taking a stand against sexual harassment in the workplace, as we believe you have a right to work in a safe and fair environment. We realize that individuals don’t always have the expertise or resources needed to hold their employers accountable. Our team of professionals can gather evidence, call witnesses, and scrutinize arguments against your claim. An employer can be legally accountable for sexual harassment, whether or not they knew it was happening. To learn more about how we can help you reach out to the Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morison today.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

In a perfect world, employers, bosses, and coworkers would treat each other as equals. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is still commonplace despite numerous awareness campaigns and movements that have worked to promote equality and equity in the workplace. As a result, laws and protections have been passed which are designed to help you in this type of situation. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.” Sexual harassment in the workplace does not only apply to women; these laws protect people of all gender identities.

Quid Pro Quo

There are two types of sexual harassment. Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employer conditions employment or rewards on unwelcome sexual advances. For example, an employer may refuse to grant a worker a promotion unless they perform sexual favors. This is a very common example of quid pro quo sexual harassment.

Hostile Work Environment

Another type of sexual harassment is known as creating a hostile work environment. It is just as illegal as quid pro quo sexual harassment. A “hostile working environment” could include exposure to unwanted sexual advances, physical contact, and sexual remarks. In addition, this can involve sexual photographs or other types of intimidating, hostile, or offensive work situations.

Proving Your Claim

To prove you are working in a hostile environment, you must establish a pattern of sexual harassment. Still, even if you experience an isolated incident of sexual harassment, you may have a claim. This usually depends on how severe your incident was, and one of the experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys at our firm can help you by uncovering evidence that demonstrates the severity of the situation.

How Do I File a Sexual Harassment Claim in California?

Ultimately, sexual harassment does not exclusively involve sex—it usually involves a difference in power or authority as well. Since this is the case, you may be reluctant to speak out against the responsible party. However, it is in your best interest—economically, legally, and ethically—to protect your rights.

Furthermore, the discrimination against you can cause life-altering emotional problems. The best way to protect your interests is to identify and document sexual harassment with the help of a qualified attorney. Notes, emails, letters, phone calls, and other forms of contact can all be used as evidence in your case.

Dealing with Sexual Harassment at Work? Call Our Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Do you believe your manager, boss, peer, or employer is acting inappropriately toward you at work? Have you been discriminated against at work after denying unwanted advances from a coworker? Do you have questions about your rights or how to bring a successful claim?

You can legally protect yourself and set standards for the future by contacting an experienced sexual harassment lawyer and exercising your right to work without dealing with this type of offensive behavior.

If you believe that you are or have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact the Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys at Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob, & Morrison. We believe that you deserve to work in an environment free of barriers and bad behavior and that employers and supervisors are legally obligated to have company policies that prevent sexual harassment.

If you’ve experienced sexual harassment or a hostile work environment, we can work to build a case that proves a party was acting inappropriately. Contact our firm online or call our Los Angeles County sexual harassment attorneys at (310) 997-4431 to schedule a free consultation.

When Is Sexual Harassment a Crime?

Is sexual harassment a crime? How is sexual harassment defined? These are important questions, because identifying sexual harassment is paramount to preventing it. Sexual harassment does not only refer to requests for inappropriate sexual favors. There are other activities that the Equal Opportunity Commission has defined. These standards can be used as a guide for what types of behavior are inappropriate.

Some of the most common behaviors that can constitute a sexual harassment claim include:

Inappropriate jokes: Verbal harassment is a criminal offense in California. An employee creates a hostile work environment when they make racial slurs, sexist jokes, or other derogatory comments.
Physical interaction: Any touching, assault, or unwanted physical interference is unlawful.
Unwanted advances: Your boss or coworker may approach you for sexual favors. Unwanted sexual advances are a serious offense. In some cases, an employer may offer benefits to coerce you to accept their advances.
Displaying harassing content: Sexual cartoon strips, drawings, posters, and other content is inappropriate in the workplace. As a rule, offensive visual harassment can contribute to a hostile work environment.

Should I File a California Sexual Harassment Report?

A report of misconduct can help you establish evidence in your claim. The first way to address sexual harassment in the workplace is to ask the harasser to stop. Once you’ve done this, write a sexual harassment report complaint to your employer. Finally, contact an attorney. If the workplace harassment continues after you’ve informed your employer, then make it known. Inform every relevant person in your workplace, including supervisors, HR departments, and anyone in a position of authority in your company. If it is your supervisor that is doing the harassing, go to their supervisor.

Collecting documentation of the sexual harassment you experience and the attendant complaints you make will be key when it comes to strengthening your harassment claim. Ultimately, the more documentation you have of the sexual harassment you have endured, the more likely you will have a successful harassment claim. It is also wise to begin collecting evidence of sexual harassment through your own notes. We recommend including any relevant emails, letters, and photocopies of offensive material. Establishing documentation of your experience is one of the best ways to strengthen your claim.

Finally, you can help your case in another significant way by locating any other witnesses who may have been privy to your harassment and getting their information. One of our Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys can then use these witnesses and their statements in your claim. In cases where there simply is no hard evidence, however, we recommend attempting to document as many details as you can about your situation. For example, make a note of times, dates, frequency, locations, anyone who you believe may have witnessed the sexual harassment, and how your company responded when you brought it to their attention.

Hostile Work Environment? Call Our Lawyers Now

Have you been sexually harassed at work and fear that you’ll be retaliated against if you speak up about it? Do you have questions about your rights or how to build a claim that can result in meaningful change? Should your complaints fail to produce results, you may only have legal recourse left. Without a professional, you could potentially face unethical actions from your employer and even find it difficult to find future employment. No one should have limits to their freedom because of the criminal actions of another.

KSJM has spent more than 30 years advocating for working individuals and their families in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. We’ll help you with the resources and experience needed to level the playing field and make the appropriate steps in your claim. Contact our Los Angeles County sexual harassment lawyers at (310) 997-4431 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.