BEVERLY HILLS EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY

The attorneys at Seber Bulger LLP represent individuals who were fired, demoted or failed to be promoted due to workplace discrimination, retaliation or sexual harassment.

• Past lost wages
• Future lost wages
• Lost benefits
• Emotional distress damages
• Punitive damages (to punish the company)
• Attorneys’ fees

We also seek job reinstatement for our clients, if desired.

Signs Of Harassment

Recognizing the signs of harassment is essential for maintaining a safe and respectful workplace. Harassment can manifest in various forms, ranging from subtle to overt actions. Verbal harassment often involves unwelcome comments, jokes, or insults that can create an intimidating or hostile work environment. Physical harassment includes unwanted touching or invading personal space, which can escalate to more serious forms of physical assault. Visual harassment may involve displaying offensive images or gestures. Additionally, psychological harassment encompasses behaviors that demean, humiliate, or isolate an individual. It’s crucial to be aware of these signs and to take appropriate action, ensuring a workplace culture that promotes respect and dignity for all.

Unwanted Physical Contact

This type of harassment spans a spectrum of behaviors, all characterized by their unsolicited nature and the discomfort they cause. On the subtler end, it may include seemingly innocuous actions like brushing against someone, patting on the back, or casual hugs, which, despite their outward normalcy, are unwelcome and intrusive. This can escalate to more overtly inappropriate behaviors such as purposeful groping, cornering, or blocking someone’s path in a way that forces physical proximity. These actions are not only invasive but also communicate a disregard for personal boundaries and can lead to a deeply uncomfortable, and at times, threatening environment.

Inappropriate Remarks

This form of harassment encompasses a range of verbal behaviors that contribute to a hostile work environment. It includes comments that are sexual in nature, such as suggestive remarks, sexual innuendos, or explicit discussions about one’s physical appearance or sexual experiences. Lewd jokes or stories, particularly those that demean or objectify individuals based on gender or sexuality, also fall into this category. These remarks, whether made directly to the person or within their hearing, serve to belittle, intimidate, or sexualize the workplace inappropriately. They often create an environment that feels unsafe and unwelcoming, impacting the victim’s ability to perform and engage comfortably in their workplace.

Sexual Assault

This represents the most severe form of harassment and involves any non-consensual sexual act or attempt. Sexual assault can range from forced kissing or touching to more severe acts of sexual coercion or rape. It is characterized by the absence of consent and the use of force, threats, or manipulation to engage in sexual activity against someone’s will. This heinous violation has profound physical, emotional, and psychological impacts on the victim, creating a traumatic and deeply distressing experience. It is an egregious breach of personal autonomy and safety and is a criminal act that necessitates immediate legal intervention. Equally concerning are signs of workplace discrimination, which may coexist with harassment.

Career Stagnation

This aspect of workplace harassment is particularly insidious as it often occurs under the guise of normal professional operations. It involves consistently being bypassed for promotions, raises, or career development opportunities without a transparent, merit-based explanation. This stagnation can manifest through being denied access to high-profile projects, training programs, or any avenue that could lead to professional growth. It may also include receiving vague, nonconstructive feedback or unjust negative performance reviews that don’t align with actual work output. Such practices not only demoralize the employee but also hinder their career trajectory, potentially causing long-term professional and financial damage.

Coerced Social Interactions

This type of harassment involves pressure to engage in social activities that are uncomfortable or outside one’s professional scope, such as attending certain gatherings, dinners, or entertainment venues like bars. While these invitations may seem optional, they often come with an unspoken implication that declining them could negatively impact one’s standing or opportunities within the company. This pressure can create an environment where consent is overshadowed by the fear of professional repercussions, leading to discomfort and a sense of violation of personal boundaries. It blurs the line between professional and personal life in a way that can feel invasive and coercive.

Disproportionate Workload

This occurs when an employee is consistently given a heavier or more challenging workload than their peers in similar positions, without a justifiable reason. It can manifest as longer working hours, tighter deadlines, a higher volume of tasks, or assignments that are beyond the scope of their role and expertise. This disproportionate allocation of work often goes unrecognized and unrewarded, leading to burnout, stress, and a feeling of being undervalued. It can also be a subtle form of discrimination, where certain employees are targeted based on factors like gender, race, or age, and burdened with additional responsibilities as a form of indirect harassment.

Each of these forms of workplace harassment contributes to a toxic work environment, undermining employee morale, and well-being. They are often less overt than other types of harassment but can be equally damaging to an individual’s career and mental health. Recognizing and addressing these issues is critical in creating a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Reach Out Today

Having our skilled Beverly Hills employment lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. With Seber Bulger Law‘s legal expertise, personalized approach, and unwavering dedication, we strive to provide the best possible legal representation for our clients.

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Employment FAQs

Your employment attorney can help you protect yourself and your rights in the workplace. With 6 years of experience helping our clients with discrimination and sexual harassment cases, we’re ready to use our legal knowledge to help you with your employment law needs. Before you contact us for a free case evaluation, read on for some important answers to common questions:

What Are My Rights If I’m Being Harassed At Work?

Every employee has the right to a safe and respectful workplace. If you are experiencing harassment at work, whether it’s based on race, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristic, you have legal protections. Harassment includes any unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile or abusive work environment. This can range from inappropriate comments to physical actions.

How Can I Prove That Workplace Harassment Is Occurring?

Proving harassment at work requires gathering evidence that shows a pattern of inappropriate behavior. Start by documenting each incident in detail, including what happened, when it occurred, and who was involved. Save any emails, text messages, or other communications that demonstrate the harassment.

Witnesses can also be helpful in proving your case. If coworkers have seen or heard the behavior, their statements can support your claim. Reporting the harassment to your employer is also important, as their response—or lack of response—can be a key part of proving that the harassment was not properly addressed.

How Do I Know If I’ve Been A Victim Of Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly based on a protected characteristic, such as race, age, gender, or disability. If you’ve been passed over for promotions, disciplined unfairly, or faced other negative treatment at work that seems tied to one of these characteristics, you may be experiencing discrimination.

What Steps Should I Take If I’m Being Retaliated Against At Work?

If you’ve reported a workplace issue like harassment or discrimination and now feel that your employer is punishing you for it, you may be facing retaliation. Retaliation can take many forms, such as demotion, reduced hours, or even termination.

The first step is to document the changes in your work situation, particularly if they started after you reported an issue. Communicate your concerns with HR or management and let them know that you believe the negative actions are in response to your report. If the situation isn’t addressed, you may need to contact an employment attorney you can trust.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated?

Being wrongfully terminated means you were fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or because you reported unethical behavior. If you believe your termination was wrongful, it’s important to gather any evidence that supports your claim. This might include emails, performance reviews, or other documents that show a pattern of unfair treatment leading up to your termination.

Additionally, keep track of the circumstances surrounding your firing, including conversations with your employer and any written communication. Reaching out for legal advice is often a good way to assess your options and determine if you have grounds to pursue a wrongful termination claim.

Employment Attorney Glossary

As your Beverly Hills, CA employment attorney, we are committed to helping employees understand their rights in the workplace. This glossary is designed to provide clear definitions of essential employment law terms so you can better understand the legal protections available to you. Whether you’re dealing with harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination, it’s important to know how these concepts apply to your situation.

Fair Employment And Housing Act

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a California law that protects employees and tenants from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Employers in California must provide a workplace free from behaviors and policies that discriminate against individuals based on protected characteristics. These include race, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and age, among others. FEHA establishes clear guidelines for employers, requiring them to implement and enforce policies that promote equality and dignity in the workplace. Employees who believe their rights under FEHA have been violated may have grounds to file a claim for legal recourse.

Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment occurs when inappropriate or unwelcome behavior creates an offensive or intimidating atmosphere for employees. This can include slurs, offensive jokes, physical intimidation, or displays of derogatory materials. To qualify as a hostile work environment, the conduct must be severe or pervasive enough to interfere with an employee’s ability to perform their job effectively. The law protects workers from these conditions when the behavior is tied to discriminatory motives based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. It’s important to address such situations promptly to prevent further harm and seek the protections afforded under employment law.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo harassment refers to situations where employment benefits, such as promotions or salary increases, are conditioned on the acceptance of unwelcome sexual advances or requests. For example, if a supervisor offers a promotion in exchange for a date or threatens termination for refusing inappropriate requests, this constitutes quid pro quo harassment. Such behavior is unlawful and violates both California and federal employment laws. Employees facing these circumstances have the right to speak up and pursue legal remedies without fear of retaliation.

Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination arises when an employee is fired for unlawful reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or violating the terms of an employment contract. For instance, dismissing an employee who reported workplace harassment or who took family leave under the law may constitute wrongful termination. Both California and federal laws aim to protect workers from unjust dismissals, giving employees the right to challenge terminations that violate their legal rights. Understanding the specific reasons behind a termination is crucial in determining whether legal action is appropriate.

Retaliation

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activities. Examples of retaliation include firing, demoting, reducing work hours, or creating a hostile work environment for an employee who reported discrimination or harassment. Employees who experience retaliation have strong legal protections under both state and federal law. If you believe you’ve been retaliated against, it’s important to act swiftly to protect your rights and document the adverse actions taken against you.

If you have questions about your rights in the workplace or believe you’ve experienced harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination, we can help. Contact Seber Bulger Law for a consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can support you in protecting your employment rights.

Contact Us To Discuss Your Workplace Concerns

If you’re facing harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination, you don’t have to deal with it alone. At Seber Bulger Law, we’re here to help you explore your options and pursue the justice you deserve. Contact us today, and see how an employment attorney from our office can help.