Put An End To Workplace Harassment With The Help Of Our Employment Attorneys

Harassment negatively impacts everyone in a given workplace, which is one of many reasons why it should never be tolerated. Unfortunately, harassment is pervasive in many work environments throughout California and the country. When employers allow, perpetrate or fail to stop harassment of their employees, they can and should face legal and financial liability.

At Employee Justice Legal Group PC, our attorneys are tireless advocates for clients who have been victims of illegal harassment. If you’re being harassed, we urge you to contact us for a free consultation. Taking legal action may be the best or only way to effectively stop it and make things right. And by coming forward, you are likely protecting others from the harms you have had to endure.

Numerous Laws Protect Employees Against Workplace Harassment

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) protect people from unlawful harassment.

Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct where the conduct is based on a protected class like gender, race, age or disability. We discuss protected classes in greater detail on our workplace discrimination page.

When Is Harassment Illegal?

While most people would agree that harassment is always wrong, many would be surprised to learn that harassment alone is not illegal. For it to be illegal (and for a victim to have an actionable legal claim), the workplace harassment has to be based on a protected characteristic and:

• Enduring such offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment
• The offensive conduct is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would consider the work environment intimidating, hostile or abusive.

Unwelcome harassing conduct includes (but is not limited to) physical assaults or threats, slurs and epithets, name calling, intimidation, ridicule or the sharing of offensive pictures and images.

Nearly Anyone May Be Considered A Victim Or A Perpetrator

Obviously, employees who are the target of harassment are considered victims. But someone may also be a victim if they witnessed someone else being harassed and were adversely affected by it.

Similarly, harassment can be perpetrated by nearly anyone, including coworkers, supervisors or managers or an agent of the employer.

The harasser doesn’t even need to work for the company. In restaurants and other service industry jobs, employers must take steps to protect their servers and other workers from harassment perpetrated by customers. This is a common source of sexual harassment complaints.

Harassment Can Lead To Workplace Injury Claims

As mentioned above, harassment alone is not illegal. If you are being harassed but the conduct is not based a protected characteristic, the physical and psychological effects could nonetheless be considered a workplace injury. If you are suffering from severe stress due to the conduct, our attorneys may be able to help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim.

Trust Your Legal Matter To A Firm With A Reputation For Results

Our legal team at Employee Justice Legal Group PC has secured many seven-figure and eight-figure settlements and jury awards on behalf of clients in employment law disputes. We have the resources, experience and skill to take on employers of all sizes, including well-funded and high-profile corporations.

To learn more about your legal options, contact our Los Angeles office to request a free initial consultation. You can send us a message online or call 213-669-4771.