Workplace Harassment lawyers
No one should have to put up with harassment to keep a paycheck. California harassment law covers every employer, regardless of size, and in some cases holds the harasser personally responsible.
What counts as harassment
Harassment is unwelcome conduct tied to a protected trait (sex, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, and others) that makes the workplace hostile, intimidating, or offensive. California law says a single serious incident can be enough.
- Sexual comments, jokes, touching, or requests for dates or sex.
- Job benefits offered or threatened in exchange for sexual favors.
- Slurs, mocking accents, or "jokes" about race, religion, or age.
- Graphic images, messages, or gestures.
- Repeated hostility aimed at someone because of a protected trait.
Who is responsible
- Employers are strictly liable when a supervisor harasses an employee.
- Employers are liable for coworker or customer harassment they knew or should have known about and didn't stop.
- Individual harassers can be personally liable.
- Protection extends to interns, volunteers, and contractors.
If it's happening now
- Write down each incident: date, time, what happened, who saw it.
- Save messages, emails, and photos somewhere personal and secure.
- Report it under the company's policy if you safely can, and keep a copy.
- Talk to a lawyer before you quit. How you leave can affect your claim.
What you may be able to recover
- Emotional distress damages
- Lost wages if you were fired or forced out
- Punitive damages against the employer
- Damages from the individual harasser
- Attorney's fees and costs
How long you have
Harassment claims generally must be filed with the Civil Rights Department within three years of the last incident, then in court within one year of the right-to-sue notice.
Deadlines depend on the facts of your case. The safest move is to call while you still have every option.
How we work
- No win, no fee
- Free consultation
- Available 24/7 by phone
- Hablamos español
Common questions
I never reported it. Can I still bring a claim?
Often, yes. Not reporting doesn't erase the harassment, especially when the harasser was a supervisor or you feared retaliation.
It happened by text and on social media, not at the office.
Harassment from a coworker or supervisor through texts, DMs, or social media can still be workplace harassment.
Other practice areas
Talk to someone today. The consultation is free, and so is the call.
(424) 234-5229