Pasadena Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Falling victim to sexual harassment can be troublesome, as sexual harassment conduct is often subtle and hard to identify. Under California law, any form of sexual harassment at work is illegal. If you find yourself the victim of sexual harassment at work, it is important to take action quickly with a Pasadena sexual harassment lawyer.

Why Choose Us

Our team at MM Law is experienced in helping workers in harassment situations. Being the victim of sexual harassment at the workplace can affect your job performance and physical and mental health. It is time to put yourself first and take the necessary steps to help protect yourself.

Our lead attorney, Maralle Messrelian, can personally handle your case and give it the time and attention it needs.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is the unlawful harassment of a person based on their sex. This misconduct can include asking for sexual favors, unwanted sexual advances, and other physical or verbal harassment that is sexual in nature.

Sexual harassment in the workplace can lead to civil and, in some cases, criminal penalties for the offender. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) handles many employment-related harassment complaints under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Sexual harassment can include the following behaviors:

• Unwelcomes sexual advances
• Using sexually explicit or suggestive language
• Making lewd sexual jokes
• Offering salary increases or promotions in exchange for sexual favors
• Commenting on a person’s body or appearance
• Workplace discrimination against someone based on their gender identity

In their 2024 Annual Report, the CRD reported over 10,000 complaints of sexual harassment in employment. If you find yourself the victim of any type of sexual harassment, it is important to hire a sexual harassment lawyer and pursue legal action.

The lasting effects of sexual harassment include depression, anxiety, PTSD, weight fluctuation, headaches, and other physical symptoms. At MM Law, APC, we can ensure your safety and fight to protect your rights and interests.

Two Types of Sexual Harassment in Pasadena, California

Sexual harassment can be subcategorized into two types: quid pro quo and hostile work environment in Pasadena, California. Quid pro quo harassment typically happens when an employer or supervisor offers an employment benefit in exchange for sexual favors; this can include a promotion or pay raise.

Hostile work environment harassment occurs when sexual harassment conduct is bad enough to create a negative, abusive environment and affect your work performance.

Of the 10,000 sexual harassment complaints filed with the CRD, over 2,700 were for quid pro quo harassment, and more than 7,200 were for hostile work environment harassment.

Some people may not realize that they have experienced harassment due to how subtle it may have been, or may not feel empowered enough to report it due to fear of retaliation or not being believed. Our legal team at MM Law can review your case and help identify all illegal misconduct that has taken place.

How Our Experienced Pasadena Sexual Harassment Attorneys Can Help

If you have been a victim of workplace sexual harassment, our team of skilled lawyers can help you file a claim against your offender. We can work with you to gather evidence of harassment and ensure that you understand your legal rights and responsibilities under California civil rights laws.

We can work to maximize the amount of compensation you may be entitled to and help negotiate a settlement. Compensation will be to help recover any economic losses (lost wages, job search fees, medical costs, etc.) or non-economic losses (pain and suffering) you incurred from this.

If your case advances to litigation, we can also represent you in court. Backed by proven results, our team at MM Law can work hard to advocate for you.

FAQs

What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in California?

In California, sexual harassment in the workplace includes any unwelcome sexual or gender based behavior that causes an uncomfortable or hostile work environment. Physical advances such as unwanted touching, patting, hugging, or blocking movements can qualify as sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment can also be verbal through sexual jokes, slurs, or degrading comments about one’s appearance. Visual sexual harassment can include suggestive pictures, sexual objects, cartoons, or posters in the workplace, making workers uncomfortable.

What Are Three Actions That Are Considered Sexual Harassment?

Many actions can be considered sexual harassment if they create an offensive or uncomfortable environment for the workers. Three examples are sending obscene messages through emails or text messages, making sexual advances, and inappropriately pinching someone.

Any form of sexual harassment in California is in direct violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act. California law keeps sexual harassment definitions broad to help protect victims; in fact, offensive conduct does not even need to be motivated by sexual desire to be considered harassment.

What Kind of Proof Do You Need for a Sexual Harassment Case?

Proof can take on many different forms in a sexual harassment case. In California, proof must demonstrate that unwelcome sex-based conduct occurred either in exchange for advancement or to create a hostile work environment. Proof includes witness testimony, proof of damages like lost wages or demotion, documentation with dates for every incident, text messages, records of complaints to HR, and any evidence of a pattern of behavior.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing an Employment Sexual Harassment Claim in California?

In California, you have three years from the date of the last incident of workplace sexual harassment to file a complaint with the CRD. You can request an immediate “right-to-sue” notice, which will allow you one year to file a legal claim with the Pasadena Courthouse on East Walnut Street. Our skilled sexual harassment lawyer will be able to advise and help you file your claim.

Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Pasadena

If you live in Pasadena and have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, our legal team is on standby and ready to help you. Contact MM Law today to explore your options and begin a legal strategy to protect your rights.