Workplace emotional distress can severely impact your health, career, and daily life. When an employer’s actions—or failure to act—create a toxic work environment, you may have legal grounds to pursue compensation. At Aegis Law, our Los Angeles hostile workplace attorneys advocate for employees in Los Angeles who have suffered emotional harm due to unlawful treatment at work. Arrange a free consultation by calling (949) 822-9220 or messaging us online to discuss your case today.

What is Emotional Distress?

Emotional distress refers to the psychological suffering a person experiences due to another party’s harmful actions. In the context of employment law, emotional distress can result from unlawful behavior in the workplace, such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wrongful termination.

Types of Claims

California law recognizes two main types of emotional distress claims:

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): When an employer or coworker deliberately engages in outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional suffering.
Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED): When an employer fails to prevent harmful behavior, even without intent, leading to emotional harm.

To succeed in a claim, you must show that the distress was serious, ongoing, and directly tied to the employer’s conduct. Mild stress or annoyance is not enough under California law. Courts require substantial proof that the emotional toll has significantly affected your life and well-being. California sets the statute of limitations

What Can Cause Emotional Distress in The Workplace?

Emotional distress in the workplace often stems from behavior that violates your legal rights as an employee. Common causes include:

Workplace Harassment: Ongoing verbal abuse, intimidation, or sexual harassment from supervisors or coworkers.
Discrimination: Being treated unfairly or denied opportunities because of a protected characteristic under California or federal law (e.g., race, national origin, age, sex)
Retaliation: Facing punishment, demotion, or termination after reporting harassment, unsafe conditions, wage violations, or other unlawful conduct.
Wrongful Termination: Losing your job for reasons that violate public policy, such as refusing to participate in illegal activity or reporting misconduct.
Toxic Work Environment: A workplace where hostile behavior, favoritism, bullying, or systemic unfairness makes it impossible to perform your duties without severe stress.
Negligent Supervision: When management fails to address harmful behavior, allowing emotional abuse to continue unchecked.

These situations can lead to serious emotional or mental health issues. If your employer ignored your complaints or failed to intervene, they may be held legally responsible.

Compassionate Legal Representation When You Need It Most

Experiencing emotional distress at work can leave you feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how to move forward. You may hesitate to speak up due to fear of retaliation or not being taken seriously. A qualified employment attorney can provide the support and legal guidance you need. They will listen to your concerns, evaluate your situation with care, and build a strategy focused on your best interests.

Acting quickly is key. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, a skilled attorney will work to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. That may include damages for:

Medical or psychological treatment
Lost wages and employment benefits
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages in cases involving severe misconduct

You do not have to face this alone. With strong legal representation, you can hold your employer accountable.

Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Distress In The Workplace

Emotional distress often builds gradually, making it difficult to recognize at first. If you notice these signs persisting due to your work environment, you may have grounds for legal action:

Constant anxiety, dread, or fear related to work
Panic attacks or difficulty concentrating
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or nightmares
Irritability, mood swings, or depression
Isolation from coworkers or family
Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue
Avoidance of workplace responsibilities or people
Reduced self-esteem or motivation

Once these symptoms start or worsen due to mistreatment at work, document everything. Save emails, take notes of interactions, and speak with a trusted doctor or therapist. These records help build a strong legal case.

How Aegis Law Can Help

We understand that emotional injuries can feel invisible to others—but at Aegis Law, we take your suffering seriously. Our team of employment attorneys has deep experience handling emotional distress claims in California and knows how to prove the harm you have endured. Here is how we support you:

Case Evaluation

We begin with a thorough review of your experience to determine if your case meets the legal standard for emotional distress.

Evidence Gathering

We collect documentation, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence that supports your claim.

Legal Strategy

We identify the most effective legal path—whether filing a claim under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, or pursuing a civil lawsuit.

Negotiation and Litigation

We negotiate directly with employers, but if needed, we are ready to take your case to court. We never back down from a legal battle when your emotional health is on the line.

Client Support

We communicate clearly, answer your questions, and treat your case with the urgency it deserves.

We serve clients throughout Los Angeles, including Santa Monica, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Long Beach, and the broader Southern California region. Whether your distress stems from recent misconduct or years of silent suffering, we are here to help you reclaim your peace of mind.

How Much Does a Workplace Emotional Distress Attorney Cost?

Many workplace emotional distress attorneys in Los Angeles, including Aegis Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay anything upfront. Instead, the attorney only receives their legal fees if they successfully resolve your case through a settlement or court award. If you do not win, you owe nothing.

Under a contingency agreement, the attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the compensation recovered—usually between 30% and 40%. This structure allows you to pursue justice without worrying about hourly legal costs. It also motivates the attorney to work hard to secure the best possible outcome, since their payment depends on your success.

Before moving forward, the attorney will provide a written agreement clearly explaining the percentage they will take and how costs (like filing fees or expert witnesses) will be handled. Review the terms carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Contact a Los Angeles Workplace Emotional Distress Attorney Today

Aegis Law is ready to fight for your emotional and financial recovery. You do not need to accept a toxic workplace or live with the consequences of your employer’s failures. Call us today at (949) 822-9220 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss next steps.

Los Angeles Workplace Emotional Distress Attorney