Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Riverside
Compassionate yet tenacious legal support for Riverside victims of workplace sexual harassment.
- Last Updated:
Riverside’s workforce spans healthcare, logistics, education, retail, and government. Workers in these industries face sexual harassment every day from unwanted touching to offensive comments to quid pro quo demands. Setareh Law Group has represented California employees for over 25 years, holding employers accountable when they violate the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and fail to prevent workplace harassment.
If your supervisor, coworker, or client has sexually harassed you at work, you have legal rights. This page explains how sexual harassment claims work in Riverside, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you hold your employer accountable.
Key Information for Riverside Workers Facing Sexual Harassment
- Most common sexual harassment claims in Riverside: hostile work environment, quid pro quo harassment, and retaliation after reporting harassment.
- Where cases are filed: Riverside Superior Court 4050 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501.
- Statute of limitations for FEHA claims: Three years to file with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) under California Government Code § 12960.
Our Office Location Serving Riverside Remotely
Our law office is located in Beverly Hills at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, approximately 60 miles from Riverside. We represent Riverside workers through phone, video conferencing, and in person meetings at the Riverside Superior Court or by appointment. We serve all of California from this single physical office.
Firm Background at a Glance
Setareh Law Group is an employment law firm founded in 1999 by Chaim Shaun Setareh (California Bar Number 204514), headquartered at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, representing employees throughout California in sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage theft cases.You can verify his bar status through the State Bar of California attorney search.
Major Employers in Riverside
Employer | Industry | Riverside Area Employees |
Kaiser Permanente Riverside | Healthcare | 3,500+ |
University of California Riverside | Education / Research | 4,000+ |
Riverside County Government | Government | 20,000+ |
Amazon Riverside Fulfillment Center | Logistics / Warehouse | 2,500+ |
Riverside Unified School District | Education | 5,000+ |
What Is Sexual Harassment Under California Law?
Many workers in Riverside are unsure whether the conduct they experienced qualifies as illegal sexual harassment. Under FEHA – California Government Code § 12940 – sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is strictly prohibited in California workplaces. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency that enforces FEHA and investigates harassment claims.
Sexual harassment can take two forms under California law
- Quid pro quo harassment occurs when an employer or supervisor demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits such as a promotion, raise, or continued employment. This also includes threats of termination or demotion for refusing sexual advances.
- Hostile work environment harassment occurs when unwanted sexual conduct, comments, or behavior is so severe or pervasive that it creates an abusive or intimidating work environment.
A sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside can help you determine whether the conduct you experienced falls into either of these categories. For a detailed breakdown, visit our workplace harassment guide
What Conduct Is Considered Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment includes many types of behavior. It does not have to be physical to be illegal. It does not have to involve a supervisor. Coworkers, clients, and even customers can create a hostile work environment.
Examples of sexual harassment include
- Unwanted touching, groping, or physical contact of a sexual nature
- Sexual jokes, comments about someone’s body, or questions about sexual history
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits
- Sending sexually explicit emails, texts, or images
- Blocking career advancement for refusing sexual advances
- Spreading sexual rumors about a coworker
- Repeated comments about someone’s appearance or clothing
- Displaying sexually suggestive images, posters, or screensavers
If you have experienced any of these behaviors at work, you should speak with a sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside as soon as possible. Learn more about what is quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment lawyer in California .
Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Harassment in Riverside?
Under California law, multiple parties can be held liable for sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers have a duty to prevent harassment and take corrective action when they know or should know about harassment.
Potentially liable parties include
- The individual harasser whether a supervisor, coworker, or even a non employee such as a client or customer
- The employer who failed to prevent harassment or failed to take corrective action
- Supervisors who engaged in harassment or failed to report it
- Human resources departments that ignored complaints or retaliated against the victim
A sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside can help you identify all parties who may be liable for the harm you suffered. For more information, see our pages on workplace sexual harassment lawyers and sexual harassment Los Angeles
California Employers Must Take Reasonable Steps to Prevent Harassment
California law requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent and correct sexual harassment in the workplace. This is not optional. The California Labor Commissioner also enforces certain workplace protections related to harassment.
Employer obligations under FEHA include
- Providing sexual harassment prevention training to all supervisors and nonsupervisory employees every two years
- Adopting and distributing a written policy against harassment
- Establishing a complaint process that allows employees to report harassment without fear of retaliation
- Investigating all complaints of harassment promptly and thoroughly
- Taking effective corrective action when harassment is found
If your employer failed to meet any of these obligations, that failure strengthens your sexual harassment claim. A sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside can review your employer’s policies and training records. Also review our workplace harassment guide for more employer obligations
What To Do If You Are Being Sexually Harassed at Work
If you are experiencing sexual harassment in your Riverside workplace, taking certain steps can help protect your legal rights.
Steps to take if you are being harassed
- Document everything. Write down dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and the names of any witnesses.
- Save evidence. Keep emails, text messages, photos, and any other evidence of harassment. Save copies outside of work.
- Tell the harasser to stop if you feel safe doing so. Clearly state that the behavior is unwelcome.
- Report the harassment to HR or a supervisor in writing. Keep a copy of your complaint for your records.
- File a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the harassment.
- Contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside for a free confidential consultation.
You do not need to have proof before calling a lawyer. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and determine the best path forward. For more guidance, see what to do if sexually harassed at work and steps to take after workplace harassment .
Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Harassment Is Illegal
Many Riverside workers fear that reporting sexual harassment will cost them their jobs. California law protects you from retaliation.
Under Government Code § 12940(h) , your employer cannot fire, demote, harass, or retaliate against you for reporting sexual harassment, participating in a harassment investigation, or filing a claim with the CRD or EEOC. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also enforces federal anti-retaliation laws.
Protected activities include
- Reporting harassment to HR or a supervisor
- Filing a complaint with the CRD or EEOC
- Participating as a witness in a harassment investigation
- Refusing to comply with a request to keep harassment quiet
- Telling a coworker about your harassment claim
If your employer retaliates against you for any of these activities, you have a separate retaliation claim in addition to your sexual harassment claim. Learn more about retaliation after filing a complaint and workplace retaliation lawyer .
What Damages Can You Recover in a Sexual Harassment Case?
California law allows sexual harassment victims to recover significant damages. Unlike federal law, FEHA has no cap on emotional distress or punitive damages.
Types of compensation available
- Lost wages and benefits known as back pay including wages you would have earned if you had not been harassed or forced to leave your job
- Front pay which covers future lost wages if you cannot return to the same workplace
- Emotional distress damages providing compensation for anxiety, depression, humiliation, loss of sleep, and other psychological harm
- Punitive damages which are additional damages to punish your employer for malicious or oppressive conduct
- Attorney fees and court costs which your employer pays if you win
- Injunctive relief which is a court order requiring your employer to change its policies or training
Setareh Law Group has recovered over one billion dollars for California workers, including millions in sexual harassment and hostile work environment cases.
California Law Protects All Workers Including Contractors
Many workers in Riverside are misclassified as independent contractors. Under California law, independent contractors are also protected from sexual harassment in most circumstances.
Who is protected from sexual harassment under FEHA
- Employees of all types including full time, part time, temporary, and seasonal workers
- Independent contractors working at a job site
- Unpaid interns and volunteers
- Applicants for employment
If you are an independent contractor or gig worker and have experienced sexual harassment, you may still have a claim. A sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside can review your situation. For more on worker classification, see our misclassification page.
Filing Deadlines for Sexual Harassment Claims
Sexual harassment claims have strict time limits. Missing your deadline permanently bars you from suing your employer.
Statute of limitations for sexual harassment claims
- FEHA claim with the Civil Rights Department (CRD): 3 years from the last harassing act under Government Code Section 12960
- Lawsuit after right to sue notice: 1 year from the date the CRD issues a right to sue notice
- Federal claim under Title VII: 300 days to file with the EEOC
Do not wait to contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside . Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and deadlines pass quickly.
Local Resources for Sexual Harassment Victims in Riverside
Fact 1: The Riverside Superior Court at 4050 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501 handles civil employment cases for Riverside County. The courthouse is located in downtown Riverside near the intersection of Main Street and 12th Street.
Fact 2: The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Riverside workers is located at 3737 Main St, Suite 500, Riverside, CA 92501. This office investigates wage claims, retaliation complaints, and other labor law violations.
Fact 3: Riverside County has a large healthcare and logistics workforce. Over 30,000 people work in Riverside County hospitals and medical centers, and over 25,000 work in warehouses and distribution centers. These industries have higher than average rates of sexual harassment complaints.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Riverside Sexual Harassment Case
- Over one billion dollars recovered for California workers since 1999, including sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and retaliation cases.
- 25 plus years of employment law experience. Founding attorney Chaim Shaun Setareh (Bar Number 204514) has practiced exclusively in employment law since 1999.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and CAALA. These are third party recognitions you can verify.
- Licensed in all California federal courts, including the Central District of California which covers Riverside.
- Spanish speaking staff available. Hablamos Español.
- Contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win or settle your case. If we do not recover for you, you owe us nothing for our time.
Areas We Serve Across California
Counties: Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego | Riverside | San Bernardino | Ventura | Santa Barbara | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Sacramento | San Joaquin | Fresno | Kern | Stanislaus | Tulare | Monterey | Santa Clara | and every other county in the state.
Cities: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Irvine, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Stockton, and hundreds more.
FAQ's: Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Riverside
Q: How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim in California?
You have three years from the last harassing act to file with the CRD under Government Code Section 12960. Do not wait. Deadlines pass quickly.
Q: Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment to my employer?
No. Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under Government Code Section 12940(h). If your employer fires you for reporting harassment, you have a separate retaliation claim.
Q: Do I need proof to file a sexual harassment lawsuit?
No. You do not need proof before contacting a lawyer. A sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside can help you identify what evidence exists and how to preserve it.
Q: Can I sue if I never reported the harassment to HR?
Yes. While reporting to HR can strengthen your case, it is not always required. Your employer may still be liable if they should have known about the harassment.
Q: Can I remain anonymous if I file a sexual harassment claim?
Your identity will be known to your employer and the CRD during the investigation. However, your lawyer can help protect your privacy as much as possible under the law.
Q: I am an independent contractor. Am I still protected from sexual harassment?
Yes. FEHA protects independent contractors from harassment at work sites. A sexual harassment lawyer in Riverside can review your specific situation.
Q: What if I signed an NDA or arbitration agreement?
California law limits the enforceability of NDAs in sexual harassment cases. You may still have the right to file a claim despite signing an arbitration agreement. A lawyer can review your agreement.
Q: What damages can I recover in a sexual harassment case?
You can recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and court costs. California has no cap on these damages.
Q: Does Setareh Law Group meet clients in Riverside?
Yes we do. By phone, video, or in person at the Riverside Superior Court or by appointment. Our office is in Beverly Hills, approximately 60 miles from Riverside.
Take the Next Step
Contact us today:
📞 Phone: 310-888-7771
✉️ Email: help@setarehlaw.com
🌐 Address: 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills CA, 90210
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Consult with a qualified California employment attorney to discuss your individual situation.
Practice Areas:
Table of Contents
- verified by Trustindex
