Yes, in many circumstances you can, and California law is among the most protective in the country when it comes to employee rights in this area. Harassment and discrimination in the workplace are not just harmful; they are illegal when they cross the thresholds defined by state and federal law.

Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, it is illegal for employers to harass or discriminate against any employee on the basis of sexual orientation, race, sex, religion, age, medical condition, national origin, and many other protected characteristics. Sexual harassment in particular encompasses two broad categories: quid pro quo harassment, where employment benefits are conditioned on submitting to unwanted advances, and hostile work environment harassment, where severe or pervasive conduct makes the workplace unreasonably difficult to endure. Before filing a lawsuit for most employment discrimination or harassment claims in California, you are generally required to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, formerly known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and obtain a right-to-sue notice. There are deadlines for this filing, typically three years from the date of the last discriminatory act, so timely action matters. Remedies in successful cases can include back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, and, in some cases, punitive damages where the conduct was especially egregious. We handle these matters on a contingency fee basis and advance all costs, so you face no financial barrier to getting representation. Reach out for a confidential, no-cost evaluation of your situation.