Workplace Harassment

There are many forms of harassment that can occur in the workplace. The Fair Employment and Housing Act legally defines the term harassment as any unwanted or offensive behavior targeted against a protected class that is either pervasive or severe.
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In the California workplace, all workers should feel safe, however, due to engrained prejudices, not everyone does.

Harassment in the workplace is unacceptable and creates a toxic work environment for those subjected to it.

If you are experiencing workplace harassment by a co-worker or your employer, there are legal remedies that can be taken. In California, workplace harassment is unlawful and our skilled legal team is here to support you. At Ghozland Law Firm, we understand how painful and difficult harassment matters can be.

No one should have to suffer from workplace harassment, yet it is all too common. That's why Ghozland Law Firm works hard to fight against workplace harassment and ensure that your rights are protected. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys has extensive experience with California state laws regarding workplace harassment and can provide legal support to individuals who are experiencing such situations.

We understand that being harassed in the workplace can be extremely traumatic and disruptive, so we strive to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for our clients. Our lawyers will assess your situation carefully and work with you to develop a plan of action tailored just for you. We'll gather evidence based on any documents, emails, or verbal exchanges related to the incident(s). If necessary, our legal team can also provide representation at any hearings or court proceedings related to your case.

At Ghozland Law Firm, we take workplace harassment cases seriously and are dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals who are experiencing it. If you need qualified legal support concerning workplace harassment, don't hesitate to contact us today. Together, we can work towards a successful resolution and help put an end to this unacceptable behavior.

What Constitutes Harassment?

There are many forms of harassment that can occur in the workplace. The Fair Employment and Housing Act legally defines the term harassment as any unwanted or offensive behavior targeted against a protected class that is either pervasive or severe. Harassment can either be sexual or non-sexual with a basis founded from prejudices against an individual or group. Whether the harassment is malicious or unintentional it may result in adverse consequences to your career.


Non-sexual harassment in the workplace can be just as damaging as sexual harassment but is often overlooked or underestimated. It is important to understand what forms non-sexual harassment may take and how to recognize it when it occurs. Examples of non-sexual workplace harassment include making offensive jokes, belittling comments about an employee's work or abilities, spreading gossip or rumors about an employee, using derogatory language to describe certain groups of people, displaying offensive images or symbols in the workplace, and purposefully excluding someone from work activities.

If you believe you are being harassed in the workplace, it is important to speak up against this behavior. The best way to do this is by filing a complaint with your employer’s human resources department. Your employer has a responsibility to provide a safe working environment that is free from discrimination, threats, and other forms of harassment. If you feel that your complaint is not being taken seriously or addressed appropriately, you may want to consider consulting an attorney who specializes in employment law for further advice and support.

No one should ever have to face workplace harassment or any form of discrimination and we must be aware of the different kinds of harassment that exist so we can protect ourselves and others from these situations. It is important to remember that we all have the right to work in an environment where our dignity and safety are respected. By knowing your rights and speaking up, you can help prevent workplace harassment and create a safe and respectful environment for everyone. It is important to take the necessary steps to address workplace harassment if it occurs so that we can make sure all employees are treated equally and with respect. Everyone should be able to feel safe in the workplace.

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The two main categories of harassment under the FEHA are quid pro quo and hostile work environments.


Quid Pro Quo Harassment

According to California law under FEHA quid pro quo is a type of sexual harassment that involves a superior requesting sexual favors from an employee in return for benefits or with the threat of adverse employment conditions.

The types of benefits, as well as threats that could be involved in a circumstance of quid pro quo harassment, are, but are not limited to:

  • A monetary raise
  • A job promotion
  • Lightened job duties
  • Better work assignments or shifts
  • Threat of termination
  • The threat of demotion from a position
  • The threat of less desirable work assignments or shifts

The promises and threats that employees may be faced with greatly undermine an individual's ability to do their job and is a gross violation to the laws set forth under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

If the supervisor fails to follow through with the promise of benefits or threat of adverse employment conditions, then a quid pro quo did not take place and the traditional course of action is redirected to the second form of harassment known as hostile work environment.

If you have been the victim of sexual harassment within your workplace, contact Ghozland Law Firm to learn the potential legal ramifications that you can pursue to enact justice.

Hostile Work Environment Harassment

California law defines a hostile work environment as a pervasive or severe act that involves abusive behavior that subjects either subordinates or co-workers to experience an abusive work atmosphere. A hostile work environment may be sexually fueled or based on biases against a protected class.

Sexual harassment involves inappropriate compliments, sexual advances, and unwelcome touching in the workplace. In addition, sexual harassment can also include offensive remarks against an individual's sex from a person of the same or opposite sex.

Another form of harassment in the workplace can stem from biases and prejudice against a protected class. Under the California Fair Employment Housing Act the classes protected from discrimination and harassment in the workplace are listed, but not limited to:

  • Race
  • Nation of Origin
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Religion
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Sex
  • Gender
  • Pregnancy
  • Marital Status
  • Military or Veteran Status

If you are having an issue at work involving any type of harassment, the best course of action is to compile any evidence that you have to provide proof that the harassment is not an isolated incident.

How to File a Complaint

Experiencing harassment in the workplace can cause an individual to feel hopeless. The best way to combat unwanted harassment is to start by filing an internal complaint within the company. If your company does not have an internal structure to allow you to report inappropriate behavior, it is best to put them on notice of the harassment you are being subjected to.

The EEOC is the federal agency responsible for enforcing laws that protect individuals against discrimination in the workplace. The process of filing a formal complaint with the EEOC takes time and can be stressful, but it is an important step to take to protect yourself and stop further harassment.


To begin your complaint, you will need to gather evidence of the harassment, such as emails or other communication, documents from within the company related to harassment, witness statements from coworkers who have experienced similar treatment or who may have witnessed your experience first-hand, and any notes you took during meetings about inappropriate behavior.


Then, visit their website (eeoc.gov) to find the nearest EEOC field office to file your claim. Once you submit your claim, the EEOC will investigate and if they find that you have been a victim of workplace harassment, they can act in a variety of ways.


It is important to remember that filing a complaint with the EEOC does not guarantee an outcome in your favor; however, it is one step further in getting justice and protecting yourself from future harassment. The EEOC also has resources available on its website to help you navigate the process.


If you are facing workplace harassment, taking steps toward holding those responsible accountable can be incredibly empowering. Taking control of your situation is possible and filing with the EEOC may be just what you need to feel safe again.


No one should ever have to endure harassment in the workplace, and by acting you can help put an end to it. With a combination of internal complaints, filing with the EEOC, and any other steps you may need to take, you can protect yourself from further harm.


It is possible to hold those responsible accountable and make sure that this type of behavior does not continue in your workplace. Do not be afraid to stand up for yourself and act. Your safety is worth it.


If an internal investigation has resulted in unsatisfactory results or if your company did not conduct an internal investigation, the best way to proceed is by filing a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).


The EEOC and DFEH will investigate your claim which will lead to bringing together both parties to negotiate the best outcome. If negotiations fail to meet an amicable conclusion, then it is best to contact an attorney to learn what legal remedies may be taken.

How are You Protected?

Victims of harassment often believe that they must stay silent in order to maintain their employment. However, there are certain protections afforded to those that file a complaint against their company.

Under California Labor Laws there is an anti-workplace-retaliation rule set in place to prevent those that seek justice from staying silent in fear of losing their job. If you have been a victim of workplace harassment, contact our law firm today.


Nobody should have to stay silent in the face of workplace harassment. Victims of this type of abuse can speak out, and we are here to help make sure that their voices are heard.


That's why California Labor Laws have put an anti-workplace retaliation rule into place. This rule prevents employers from taking any form of action against employees who choose to file a complaint about harassment or other forms of mistreatment in the workplace.


No victim should ever feel like they need to suffer in silence, but unfortunately, many do. If you've been a victim of workplace harassment, please don't hesitate to contact our law firm today for more information on how we can protect your rights and help ensure that justice is served.


We are here to help, and we won't rest until you receive the justice that you deserve. With our experienced team on your side, you can be sure that your voice will be heard loud and clear. Reach out today and let us fight for you!


Together, we can take a stand against workplace harassment. Let's make sure no victim ever has to stay silent in fear of losing their job again. Contact our law firm today - we are here to ensure that justice is served!


We believe that you deserve the best representation and results, so don't hesitate to reach out if you are a victim of workplace harassment. Our experienced team is here to help protect your rights and fight for justice! Don't stay silent - contact our law firm today. Together, we can take a stand against workplace harassment.


By standing up for victims of workplace harassment, we can ensure that justice is served and create a safer environment for everyone in the future. Contact us today, and let's make sure no one ever must stay silent again! Let's fight for justice together!


How Long Will My Los Angeles Workplace Harassment Case Take?

On average, a workplace discrimination case in Los Angeles can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years. This timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the case and how much evidence is available. For example, if there are numerous witnesses or documents involved, it may take longer for everything to be gathered before the case can go to court. Additionally, cases that involve multiple defendants or particularly complex legal issues may also take longer than expected.


California courts have certain deadlines that must be met during a workplace discrimination lawsuit. These deadlines include filing complaints with state agencies such as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) within one year of the alleged incident occurring.


After filing a complaint with DFEH, an investigation will need to be conducted, which can take up to six months. Once the investigation is complete, your case will go before a judge at some point during the next three years.


Other factors can delay the timeline of a workplace discrimination case in Los Angeles. If either side needs to make an appeal or request additional evidence from outside parties, this could potentially lengthen the process significantly.


Another factor that could affect the timing of a workplace discrimination case is if it ends up going to trial rather than settling out of court. Trials can take anywhere from one month to several months depending on their complexity and how quickly witnesses provide testimony.


Overall, it's important to understand that there is no guarantee as to when you might receive a resolution for your workplace discrimination case in Los Angeles. Depending on the circumstances, it could take several years before you receive a final ruling from the court.


The best thing to do is to be patient and work with your lawyer throughout the entire process. With their help, you can make sure that all your paperwork is filed correctly and on time and that you are prepared for whatever comes next.


Working together with experienced attorneys by your side can ensure that your case moves as quickly as possible while still protecting your rights along the way. That way, you'll have peace of mind knowing that everything has been done properly so you can get justice soon enough. Contact an experienced attorney in Los Angeles if you think you may have a potential workplace discrimination lawsuit today.


How Much Is My Los Angeles Workplace Discrimination Case Worth?

The value of a Los Angeles workplace discrimination case can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case. Such cases are worth anywhere from several thousand to several million dollars.


A few factors that can affect the compensation amount in a Los Angeles workplace discrimination case include the type of discrimination (based on race, gender, religion, age, etc.), damages sustained (lost wages and benefits, emotional harm experienced), duration of harassment/discrimination and size of the employer. Additionally, punitive damages may be available depending on whether the employer acted with malice or reckless indifference.


In addition to financial compensation for lost wages and other damages, plaintiffs may also be entitled to injunctive relief which includes judges ordering employers to stop engaging in discriminatory practices and policies.


It’s important to note that the value of a Los Angeles workplace discrimination case can be difficult to assess without talking to an experienced lawyer who can thoroughly review the facts of your case. A skilled attorney will be able to provide you with an accurate assessment of your claim and help ensure you receive maximum compensation for your losses.


Overall, the value of a Los Angeles workplace discrimination case can range from several thousand to several million dollars. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you will have a better chance at recovering fair compensation for your losses.

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