Employment Law
Discrimination and Harassment
Protecting Employees from Unlawful Workplace Conduct
Cohen Law Group represents employees across California who have been subjected to workplace discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other legally protected categories. California law strictly prohibits discriminatory treatment and hostile work environments, and employers who violate these protections can be held accountable. Early legal intervention is critical. Our firm approaches discrimination and harassment cases with a litigation-first strategy designed to preserve evidence, establish liability, and maximize recovery.
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What Is Workplace Discrimination and Harassment in California?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee based on a protected characteristic.
Harassment involves unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment.
California law, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act, provides strong protections against both discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Protected Characteristics Under California Law
Employees are protected from discrimination and harassment based on characteristics including:
- Race or ethnicity
- Gender or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Age (40 and over)
- Disability or medical condition
- Religion or creed
- Pregnancy or childbirth-related conditions
- Marital status
If you were treated differently or subjected to hostile conduct because of one of these characteristics, you may have a valid claim.
Forms of Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination can occur at any stage of employment and may include:
Termination or Adverse Employment Actions
- Being fired, demoted, or disciplined because of a protected characteristic
- Being denied promotions or opportunities
- Unequal treatment compared to similarly situated employees
Compensation and Opportunity Discrimination
- Lower pay for similar work
- Denial of bonuses or benefits
- Unequal access to training or advancement
Failure to Provide Reasonable Accommodations
- Refusal to accommodate disabilities or medical conditions
- Failure to provide pregnancy-related accommodations
- Denial of religious accommodations
Workplace Harassment
Harassment is unlawful when it is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile or abusive work environment.
Examples of Harassment
- Offensive comments, slurs, or jokes
- Unwanted physical conduct
- Repeated inappropriate remarks about a protected characteristic
- Visual or written harassment (emails, messages, images)
Harassment can be committed by supervisors, coworkers, or even third parties, and employers may be held liable if they fail to prevent or correct it.
How Courts Evaluate Discrimination and Harassment Claims
Courts and agencies analyze multiple factors when determining whether workplace conduct is unlawful, including:
- Evidence of unequal treatment
- Patterns of behavior or bias
- Comparator evidence (how others were treated)
- Severity and frequency of harassment
- Employer response to complaints
- Documentation such as emails, messages, and performance reviews
Strong evidence and early legal evaluation are critical to building a successful claim.
Damages and Remedies for Discrimination and Harassment
Employees who prevail in discrimination or harassment cases in California may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Back pay (lost wages and benefits)
- Front pay (future lost earnings)
- Lost bonuses, commissions, and benefits
Non-Economic Damages
- Emotional distress and mental suffering
- Reputational harm
Punitive Damages
In cases involving intentional or egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the employer and deter future violations.
Equitable Remedies
- Reinstatement to your position
- Policy changes within the company
- Required training or corrective measures
Time Limits to File a Discrimination or Harassment Claim
Claims for workplace discrimination and harassment in California are subject to strict deadlines. Depending on the claim:
- You may need to file with a government agency before pursuing a lawsuit
- Statutes of limitation apply and can limit your ability to recover
Delaying action can jeopardize your claim, so prompt legal evaluation is essential.
Speak With a California Discrimination and Harassment Attorney
If you have experienced discrimination or harassment at work, you should speak with an experienced California employment attorney as soon as possible.
Early intervention can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and position your case for maximum recovery.