Harassment is defined as unwelcome comments or conduct based upon a protected classification. This can include conduct that is offensive in nature which demeans, humiliates, embarrasses, or makes an individual uncomfortable. Regardless of the situation or setting, harassment is never morally okay or acceptable; however, it is especially inappropriate and unlawful in the workplace.
If harassment occurs often, this may create a hostile work environment for one or more employees. These types of comments or conduct can negatively impact employees’ mental and/or physical health and even their work performance.
Unfortunately, harassment is a common workplace issue, and the attorneys at the Dolan Law Firm are experienced in handling these claims and cases. If you have been mistreated at work, you may require the services of a harassment lawyer in Los Angeles – call us today to schedule a free case evaluation. We are available and ready to listen to you.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 800-339-0352.
Types of Harassment
Harassment can manifest in diverse forms, and each type of harassment contributes to the creation of a hostile environment. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lists the following conduct as harassment, noting, however, that not all types of harassment are mentioned in this section:
- Offensive jokes, slurs, or epithets;
- Name-calling;
- Physical assaults or threats;
- Intimidation;
- Ridicule or mockery;
- Insults or put-downs;
- Offensive objects or pictures; and;
- Interference with work performance.
Harassment of the types listed above can be based upon religion, sex, sexual orientation, race/national origin, or other protected classification.
Sexual Harassment
A prominent form of harassment, sexual harassment, typically occurs when someone in a position of power:
- Initiates unwelcome sexual advances;
- Makes a request for sex or sexual favors in return for a raise, job security, a promotion or any other advancements.
But a power discrepancy is not always necessary to bring a complaint or claim of sexual harassment. Fellow employees of equal standing may use tactics such as lewd jokes, photographs showcasing nudity, pornography on work computers, and unwanted physical contact to harass another employee in a sexual manner. Such behavior constitutes as sexual harassment and this type of intolerable behavior should be reported without delay.
Discrimination in the workplace
If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, you may need to talk to Human Resources or your supervisor to make a complaint about the harassing comments or conduct. You should follow your company’s procedures for reporting, but generally, going to your supervisor or Human Resources Department will be sufficient.
A good rule of thumb in this type of situation is to file a report in writing and keep a copy for your records. Also make notes of who you spoke to, and when, to keep a record of what happened and any witnesses. If employees or your employer threaten you with retaliation for complaining about harassment, it is time to seek the assistance of a sexual harassment attorney.
If you have been harassed or retaliated against, you should contact a Los Angeles harassment attorney to help you file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. Harassment laws are taken very seriously in the state of California. Severe or pervasive harassment based on age, race, sexual orientation, gender, and disability, as well as sexual harassment, violates your rights under the Fair Employment and Housing Act, and you do not deserve to have your rights violated.
If you are unsure of how to start the process of filing a complaint of harassment, contact and seek legal advice at our Los Angeles office – our team of experienced attorneys will be able to file your claim and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Racial Harassment
Racial harassment can include racial slurs or jokes based on an employee’s race, or comments about someone’s national origin or their skin color, or the display of racially-offensive symbols, which can include certain hand signs, numbers, and salutations.
Know that under California law, you may sue your harasser, and in some cases, the company or employer as well. If you have suffered sexual harassment in the workplace, reach out to the Los Angeles harassment attorneys at the Dolan Law Firm via our online form or by calling our phone number: 800-339-0352.
Have You Experienced Harassment At Work?
If you have been the victim of severe or pervasive unwelcome comments or conduct based upon one of the protected classes, you should talk to a Los Angeles harassment attorney to evaluate your potential case.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 800-339-0352.
Employment Law And Harassment
Here at the Dolan Law Firm, our attorneys have handled countless employment cases based on discrimination, harassment, or retaliation including wrongful termination cases. With years of experience, we know how to protect you from companies, employers, and others who would seek to take advantage of you. Throughout our years of experience, we have been able to obtain favorable verdicts and settlements for our clients. In fact, our law firm was instrumental in securing one of the largest employment discrimination verdicts in the United States. On the strength of our many positive resolutions, we are able to handle your harassment case correctly and obtain favorable results.
Contact a Harassment Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
Harassment in the workplace is nothing to push aside and overlook. If you have been the victim of such treatment, do not wait! Contact immediately a workplace harassment attorney in Los Angeles. We will not stand by and allow your case to go unnoticed. The Dolan Law Firm is here to take action and answer your questions today – contact us through our online contact form 24/7 or contact us today for a free consultation: 800-339-0352.
FAQ
Can a harassment lawyer in Los Angeles help me with issues pertaining to the Family Medical Leave Act?
Yes, the Family Medical Leave Act is in accordance with Federal Law, and therefore your employer must adhere to its stipulations. If your employer does not grant you the leave you are rightfully owed, or you are harassed based upon your medical condition, then a harassment lawyer in Los Angeles may be able to assist you with this employment law issue.
If I believe I was wrongfully terminated, what should I do?
First, you will want to gather all the information and documentation you have to support that you were wrongfully terminated. Second, you will need to contact a harassment lawyer in Los Angeles who is well-versed in harassment and employment law so they can review your case.
Can a harassment lawyer in Los Angeles help me with filing my complaint?
Yes, a harassment lawyer in Los Angeles can help you make decisions regarding filing a sexual harassment complaint, which is the first step in addressing workplace sexual harassment.
Does pregnancy discrimination fall under workplace harassment?
Yes, it can. Pregnancy discrimination is unlawful, and if there are unwelcome comments or conduct based upon a person’s pregnancy, that can be considered a form of workplace harassment. A skilled Los Angeles lawyer will be able to help determine if you have a claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 800-339-0352.