La Cañada Flintridge Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Workplace sexual harassment is a serious and all too common issue that can impact a worker’s ability to do their job, their mental and physical health, and overall quality of life. If you believe you or a coworker has experienced this form of employment misconduct, be sure to consult a skilled La Cañada Flintridge sexual harassment lawyer right away.

What to Know About MM Law

MM Law, an employment law practice based in Glendale, California, is headed by experienced lawyer Maralle Messrelian. When you’re looking for a reliable and experienced La Cañada Flintridge sexual harassment attorney, Maralle is here for you. Our team is prepared to see your case through, providing counsel and support at every step of the process.

When to Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer

The most recent data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that between 2018 and 2021, the agency received over 98,000 charges involving some form of harassment. During this period, harassment charges accounted for 35.4 percent of all claims the agency received. Of those claims, over 27,000 claims alleged sexual harassment.

It is unconstitutional and against federal and state laws for a person to be discriminated against for their protected characteristics, including sex. Sexual harassment is any form of harassment or discrimination that takes place in the workplace that is based on the victim’s sex. This includes a worker’s gender identity, pregnancy status, and sexual orientation.

California sexual harassment laws allow victims of this misconduct to file a claim, which can hold the employer or other responsible parties accountable. Filing an official claim may also allow affected parties to receive compensation for the distress and other damages caused by the harassment. If you have witnessed or been victimized by any of these forms of discrimination or harassment, you should hire a sexual harassment lawyer sooner rather than later:

• Hostile work environment: This form of sexual harassment occurs when employees are subjected to a job environment that is sexually charged and offensive, even if they are not a direct target of workplace harassment or workplace discrimination.
• Quid pro quo: This type of harassment involves a person in a position of power, such as an employer or supervisor, offering or requiring a worker to engage in sexual activity in order to receive a job perk or avoid punishment.
• Sexual comments: including jokes or innuendos.
• Sharing or displaying sexually explicit pictures or videos.
• Unwanted propositions: advances, or sexual assault, including physical touching or grabbing.
• Sexual gestures.
• Staring or leering in a sexual manner.
• Making offensive or inappropriate comments about a person’s clothing or body.
• Asking invasive personal questions about a person’s sex life.
• Physical restraint: Including someone’s path with their body or infringing on their personal space.
• Enduring retaliation: Experiencing a demotion or termination due to refusing to engage in sexual harassment or reporting it.

Choose MM Law to Represent You

Maralle Messrelian at MM Law has advocated for countless workers in Los Angeles County and throughout California. In addition to workplace sexual harassment, we also represent individuals facing wrongful termination, retaliation, Labor Code violations, and unfair business practices.

Depending on the situation and how you decide to move forward, there are numerous legal venues you may bring your case. At MM Law, we primarily work with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, now known as the California Civil Rights Department. Sexual harassment cases in La Cañada Flintridge generally go through the agency’s Los Angeles Office, located at 320 W. 4th Street, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

FAQs

What Is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in CA?

In the state of California, sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of unlawful discrimination. It is against federal and state law for a worker to be discriminated against, including being subjected to harassment, on the basis of protected characteristics.

Protected characters include a person’s race, country of origin, age, veteran status, and more. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is when a worker is harassed due to their gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status.

What Are Examples of Sexual Harassment in CA?

There are numerous forms of sexual harassment, including a hostile work environment and quid pro quo sexual harassment. A hostile work environment involves a job environment or culture that is sexually charged and offensive.

This may include sexually explicit pictures being viewable in shared spaces, inappropriate videos being shared amongst employees, and coworkers making sexual jokes. Quid pro quo harassment entails someone in a position of power asking a worker to perform a sexual favor in exchange for benefits.

What Should I Do If I’ve Experienced Sexual Harassment?

If you’ve been victimized by workplace sexual harassment, you should be careful to preserve any evidence of the harassment. This can include writing down the date and details of the harassment, keeping records of inappropriate messages, and other relevant evidence.

You should also report the harassment to your supervisor or the HR department to document the misconduct. Your next step should be to consult a qualified employment law attorney who can guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Do I Need a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in La Cañada Flintridge, CA?

While you aren’t required by any law to hire a sexual harassment lawyer in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, it can be incredibly helpful and beneficial to do so. Sexual harassment claims can be complex due to the multiple processes involved and the evidence needed to establish an accurate picture of the harassment experienced. Working with a qualified, skilled employment law attorney can make the case easier to manage and help avoid common errors. Your lawyer is there to advocate for your rights.

Talk to a Sexual Harassment and Employment Law Attorney

At MM Law, we care about fighting for employees’ rights and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with a compassionate lawyer who can counsel you through the sexual harassment claim process. We can address your concerns and answer any questions you have.