Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sexual harassment is extremely unlawful and inappropriate behavior that is often committed in the workplace. There are laws designed to eliminate this behavior so it cannot be used by employers and coworkers to exploit, harass, or denigrate any individual based on their gender or gender identity in a place of employment. These rules also apply to people outside of an organization which means that employers have a duty to protect employees from sexual harassment from customers and vendors as well. Mesriani Law Group has a team of Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyers ready to help if you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Our team understands the importance of a safe work environment and the negative impacts that sexual harassment can have on an individual. So, if you or a loved one has become a victim of sexual harassment, call (866) 500 – 7070 to schedule a consultation today.

What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a broad legal term that covers more than just unwanted physical contact. It includes any conduct directed at an individual because of their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

The Two Primary Categories

• Hostile Work Environment: When pervasive conduct—such as lewd jokes, suggestive staring, or offensive imagery—renders the workplace intimidating or abusive.

• Quid Pro Quo (“This for That”): When a supervisor conditions a job benefit (like a raise or promotion) on a sexual favor, or threatens a negative action (like firing) if the favor is refused.

Examples of Prohibited Conduct

• Verbal: Offensive jokes, slurs, or derogatory comments about someone’s body or sexuality.

• Visual: Displaying sexually suggestive posters, emails, or objects in common areas.

• Physical: Unwanted touching, hugging, or physically blocking someone’s movement.

• Retaliation: Punishing an employee for refusing advances or for reporting harassment.

Employer Liability in California

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides some of the strongest protections in the country, applying to all employers regardless of size.

• Coworker Harassment: An employer is liable if they knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take immediate, corrective action.

• Supervisor Harassment: Under “Strict Liability,” an employer is responsible for harassment committed by a manager or supervisor, regardless of whether a formal complaint was filed.

• Mandatory Training: California law requires businesses with 5 or more employees to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all staff and supervisors every two years.

Steps to Take if You Are Harassed

1. Direct Communication: If safe to do so, make it explicitly clear to the aggressor that their behavior is unwanted and must stop.

2. Document Everything: Keep a detailed log of dates, times, locations, and witnesses. Save all texts, emails, and notes. Keep this record at home, not on work devices.

3. File a Formal Complaint: Follow your company’s internal HR procedures. This gives the employer a legal chance to fix the situation—and creates a paper trail if they don’t.

4. Don’t Quit: Leaving your job before reporting the harassment can make it harder to win a legal claim. Consult an attorney before making any major career moves.

5. Consult a Lawyer: Contact Mesriani Law Group at (866) 500-7070 to understand your rights before the 90-day “Right-to-Sue” window expires.

Compensation You May Recover

Victims of sexual harassment can seek various forms of financial recovery:

• Back Pay: Compensation for lost wages, benefits, and missed promotions.

• Compensatory Damages: Payment for emotional distress, therapy costs, and damage to your reputation.

• Punitive Damages: In extreme cases, courts award these to punish the employer’s reckless conduct and deter others.

• Attorney’s Fees: Legal costs are often included in the final settlement or award.

Why Choose Mesriani Law Group?

For over 28 years, Rodney Mesriani and his team have stood by victims against corporate influence and power.

• Proven Results: We have successfully litigated claims against large corporations and public entities.

• No Win, No Fee: We work on a contingency basis. If we don’t win your case, you pay us nothing.

• Compassionate Advocacy: We handle every case with the sensitivity and confidentiality it deserves.

If you or someone you love is suffering in a hostile work environment, call (866) 500-7070 for a free, confidential consultation.