San Diego
Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyers
At Betts Law Group, we help employees throughout California take legal action under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other state and federal protections.
If you’ve experienced unwanted comments, advances, or retaliation on the job, our California sexual harassment lawyer will stand with you. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve to have your rights enforced.
What Is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Workplace sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects your job or creates a hostile work environment. California law protects employees from:
- Quid pro quo harassment: when employment benefits are conditioned on sexual conduct
- Hostile work environments: when conduct is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with your job
- Retaliation: when you’re punished for rejecting advances or speaking up
Harassment can happen in person or online, and the harasser can be any person in the workplace with influence over your work.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Successful workplace harassment claims may include:
- Lost wages or future income
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Reinstatement (or pay in lieu of reinstatement)
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
- Punitive damages in extreme cases
We’ll help you assess what recovery looks like in your situation and pursue it with purpose.
Legal Protections Under California Law for Workplace Sexual Harassment
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, you are protected under both California and federal law.
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) makes it illegal for employers to harass or retaliate against workers based on sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act offers additional federal protections.
At Betts Law Group, we help employees file complaints with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and pursue civil claims where appropriate.
Whether you work in healthcare, hospitality, education, tech, or another field, we’ll help you take action and protect your rights.
Why Betts Law Group?
Many companies require you to report harassment internally before filing a claim. That process can be intimidating, especially when power dynamics are involved. Our firm will help you document what happened, protect yourself from retaliation, and navigate each step with clarity and care.
Even if you’ve already left your job, you may still have a strong claim under the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as workplace sexual harassment in California?
Workplace sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. It can come from supervisors, coworkers, or even third parties like clients.
What is the difference between quid pro quo and hostile work environment harassment?
Quid pro quo harassment happens when job benefits are conditioned on sexual favors. A hostile work environment occurs when repeated or severe harassment interferes with your ability to work or creates an offensive environment.
Can I file a sexual harassment claim if I still work for the employer?
Yes. You do not have to be fired or quit to bring a claim. California law protects employees from retaliation when they report or oppose sexual harassment, even while still employed.
What evidence do I need to prove sexual harassment at work?
Evidence may include emails, text messages, witness testimony, performance reviews, internal complaints, or detailed notes of incidents. You don’t need direct proof. Patterns of behavior and credible documentation can support your claim.
How long do I have to file a workplace sexual harassment claim in California?
You typically have three years from the last incident to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). After that, you may receive a right-to-sue notice to proceed in court. Deadlines vary, so speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What compensation can I recover in a sexual harassment case?
You may be entitled to back pay, emotional distress damages, future lost earnings, punitive damages (in severe cases), and attorneys’ fees. In some cases, reinstatement or workplace changes may also be ordered.
Do I need a lawyer to file a workplace sexual harassment claim?
While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, working with an attorney can help you navigate deadlines, build a strong case, and protect you from retaliation. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights.
Contact Our San Diego Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
You didn’t choose what happened. But you get to choose what happens next. Let our team at Betts Law Group carry the legal burden. You focus on healing. Schedule your free consultation today.