Top-Rated Los Angeles Workplace Harassment Lawyers

Los Angeles Workplace Harassment: What Employees Need to Know

At The Ottinger Firm, we help employees in Los Angeles confront and stop workplace harassment. If you’ve experienced unwelcome behavior—verbal, physical, or otherwise—that makes your job unbearable or unsafe, you may have strong legal protections under California law. Whether it’s sexual harassment, racial slurs, or retaliation after reporting misconduct, we help workers assert their rights and seek justice.

With more than 25 years of experience in employment law, we’ve helped individuals at all levels—from hourly workers to high-level professionals—navigate complex harassment claims. We understand how these situations unfold in real life and how California courts interpret the law. Our mission is to provide clarity, strategy, and powerful legal representation.

What Counts as Workplace Harassment in California

Workplace harassment is broader than many people realize. While some cases involve obvious misconduct, others are more subtle but equally damaging. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits harassment based on a wide range of protected characteristics, including:

• Sex, gender identity, sexual orientation
• Race, color, national origin
• Disability, medical condition, or pregnancy
• Age (40 and over)
• Religion or creed
• Marital status or military/veteran status

Harassment can include unwanted touching, offensive jokes, derogatory comments, isolation, humiliation, intimidation, or repeated inappropriate behavior—even if it’s not physical. If the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with your ability to work, it may be unlawful.

Two Common Harassment Scenarios We See

1. You Were Harassed Based on a Protected Characteristic

We frequently see cases where employees face mistreatment for simply being who they are. This could include:

• Racial or ethnic slurs, “jokes,” or differential treatment
• Offensive comments or sexual advances toward women or LGBTQ+ workers
• Mocking an employee’s disability, accent, or religious dress
• Creating a “boys’ club” atmosphere that excludes or demeans women

These behaviors are not just unprofessional—they may be illegal. If your employer fails to act after you report them, they may be liable under state law.

2. You Were Retaliated Against for Reporting Harassment

Many employees are afraid to report harassment—and unfortunately, with good reason. Employers may respond by:

• Demoting or reassigning the employee
• Giving unfair performance reviews
• Cutting hours or responsibilities
• Creating a hostile or isolating work environment
• Terminating employment entirely

This kind of retaliation is itself a violation of California law. If you’ve faced consequences for speaking up, you may be entitled to damages or reinstatement.

You Deserve a Safe, Respectful Workplace

No one should have to tolerate harassment just to keep their job. California takes workplace misconduct seriously, and you have the right to demand fair treatment. Even if the harassment wasn’t directed at you, if you’ve been affected by a hostile work environment, you may still have legal standing to take action.

Your employer is legally required to prevent harassment and respond appropriately when it occurs. If they failed to investigate your complaint or protect you from further harm, they may be legally accountable.

Contact us for a confidential consultation.
Let’s make sure your rights are enforced—and your voice is respected.