A hostile work environment occurs when unwelcome behavior based on a legally protected characteristic is severe or pervasive enough to create an abusive, intimidating, or offensive work atmosphere.

This behavior may come from supervisors, coworkers, clients, or even third parties, and may violate California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) or federal anti-discrimination laws such as Title VII.

A hostile work environment can be caused by many types of inappropriate or unlawful conduct, including:

– Repeated sexual comments, jokes, or advances
– Racial or ethnic slurs, stereotypes, or insults
– Mocking an employee’s disability, accent, religion, or gender identity
– Displaying offensive or explicit materials
– Intimidation, threats, or bullying
– Physical harassment or unwanted touching
– Being constantly targeted or excluded based on a protected characteristic
– Retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination

Even if the harassment isn’t directed at you personally, you may still have a claim if it affects your ability to do your job.

The law protects employees from hostile work environments based on:

– Race, ethnicity, or national origin
– Sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity
– Religion or religious beliefs
– Age (40 and over)
– Disability or medical condition
– Pregnancy or family status
– Marital status
– Military or veteran status

If your employer knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take immediate and appropriate action, they may be legally liable for creating or allowing a hostile work environment.

If you’ve suffered due to a hostile work environment, you may be entitled to:

– Compensation for emotional distress and trauma
– Back pay and lost income
– Punitive damages for egregious misconduct
– Reinstatement or job transfer (in some cases)
– Attorneys’ fees and court costs
– Injunctive relief (requiring employer policy changes)

Our legal team is committed to holding employers accountable for employer's illegal conduct and illegal terminations. We offer:

– Free, confidential consultations
– No fees unless we win your case
– Fluent legal services in English, Spanish, Russian, and Armenian
– Aggressive negotiation and litigation experience
– Representation for individual claims and class actions

You don’t have to face this alone. If you believe you were harassed, retaliated against and wrongfully terminated, contact Tunyan Law, APC today. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We speak English, Spanish, Russian, and Armenian

✅ Protect your future. Get the justice you deserve.