More than $10 Million Recovered for Victims of Sexual Harassment
CONFIDENT,
EXPERIENCED
& DETERMINED TO WIN Rod Smith Law PLLC fights for West Virginians. Let us help you!
2024 Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers (Employment Law, Individuals)
Charleston Employment Lawyer
Passionately Representing Wronged Workers in West Virginia
No one deserves to be mistreated or discriminated against at work. Given that the average American spends a whopping one-third of their life working, hardworking West Virginians must assert their employee rights when needed. To exercise your right to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment, it’s essential to first have a basic understanding of your employee rights in the first place. That’s where our experienced employment law attorneys come in.
With over 25 years of combined legal experience, you can count on our compassionate team to advocate on your behalf as fiercely as needed. Whether your case requires aggressive litigation in the courtroom or can be quietly resolved outside of it, we’re here to deliver the customized legal solution you need for a favorable outcome. At Rod Smith Law PLLC, our accomplished legal advocates are committed to making our community and its workplaces safe and fair for all. With over $100 million in verdicts and settlements, you can trust our skilled employment law attorney in Charleston to prioritize your unique needs from start to finish.
Our approach at Rod Smith Law PLLC emphasizes personalized legal strategies that address each client's unique circumstances. We believe in empowering employees with knowledge, providing resources to help them understand the complexities of employment law. Our team frequently hosts informational seminars and workshops in Charleston, offering insights into topics like wage theft, unpaid overtime, and the nuances of state and federal labor laws. By staying informed, employees are better equipped to recognize violations and take timely action.
Our Charleston employment law lawyers can help safeguard your employee rights. Call (304) 406-7076 or contact us online to request a free consultation.
Sexual Harassment Lawyers Serving West Virginia
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that can affect employees across various industries. In West Virginia, both state and federal laws protect employees from sexual harassment, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.
Employees must know their rights and hold unethical employers accountable for misconduct at work. In West Virginia, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment;
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
With the help of a seasoned employment lawyer in Charleston, employees can take appropriate steps to address sexual harassment in the workplace and exercise their right to a safe work environment. Consider these common examples of sexual harassment at work:
- Unwanted physical contact
- Sexual jokes or comments
- Displaying explicit materials
- Sending inappropriate messages or emails
- Making derogatory remarks about a person's gender or sexuality
- Unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors
Our legal team is committed to not only fighting against occurrences of sexual harassment but also raising awareness in the workplace. We work closely with organizations to implement training programs that educate employees and management about recognizing and preventing sexual harassment. Understanding the nuances of such laws helps mitigate risks and fosters a workplace culture where everyone feels respected and valued.
Why Choose Us?
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Free Consultations: No Recovery, No Fee
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Over $100 Million in Judgments & Settlements
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Open Communication: Phones & Email Are Always Monitored
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We Are Honest & Upfront With Our Clients
Decisive Outcomes
Rod Smith Law PLLC has been committed to getting the best possible outcomes for our clients—over $100 million in damage awards. We understand how important fair compensation can be for your case, especially if medical bills are involved or if you have lost your job. During your free initial consultation, we can go over the details of your case to help you plan for the challenges that lie ahead and find the confidence to take your case as far as it needs to go.
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$1.2 million Sexual Harassment
Recovered more than $1.2 million for employees subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace.
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Coal Contract Dispute Verdict
Company awarded a $1.6 million verdict in a trial involving a coal contract dispute.
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Commercial Contract Dispute
Obtained $2.7 Million arbitration award in a commercial coal contract dispute.
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Commercial Trucking Accident
Injured truck driver awarded $1 million in a commercial trucking accident case.
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Illegally Withheld Wages
Recovered over $5 Million for thousands of West Virginia workers who were illegally withheld wages.
Rod Smith Law PLLC
Meet Your Legal Team
Trusted Advocacy for Employees in Morgantown & Beyond
At Rod Smith Law PLLC, we have extensive experience navigating a variety of employment law matters. Common employment law cases we handle include:
- Retaliation
- Whistleblower Laws
- Sexual Harassment
- Race Discrimination
- Wrongful Termination
- Disability Discrimination
- Pregnancy Discrimination
We also focus on educating the community about their rights and protections under employment law. Our team regularly publishes informative articles and guides on emerging workforce issues such as remote work challenges and evolving labor regulations. By providing these resources, we aim to empower workers with the necessary tools to secure their rights and improve workplace conditions. Navigating Charleston's Employment Challenges
Charleston, with its rich industrial history and modern economic developments, presents unique challenges and opportunities for its workforce. The combination of long-standing industries and newer sectors means that workers may face a range of employment issues, from traditional factory work discrimination to modern tech sector disputes. Recognizing these challenges, Rod Smith Law PLLC is dedicated to offering skilled guidance tailored to the diversity of Charleston’s employment landscape.
Our comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal employment regulations allows us to adeptly navigate the specificities of Charleston's employment challenges. Our labor attorney in Charleston is committed to staying ahead of legislative changes, ensuring our clients receive timely and informed advice. This focus on the local context allows us to offer effective legal strategies that directly address the practical realities of working in Charleston, making us an invaluable ally for West Virginians facing employment disputes.
For those navigating an employment issue, the guidance of a labor law attorney can prove essential in understanding complex laws and regulations specific to both the state of West Virginia and the local dynamics within Charleston. By working closely with clients, we clarify how labor law issues may impact their job security, workplace benefits, or legal options, while taking into account recent legislation that affects workers throughout Kanawha County. Our aim is to make sure that every client’s voice is heard through clear communication and tailored legal advice, whether dealing with contracts, workplace discipline, or disputes involving employers of all sizes. If you need an employment lawyer Charleston residents trust, our team is available to offer actionable guidance based on the realities faced by employees in this city.
It’s not unusual for individuals to feel overwhelmed by the process of asserting employee rights in the workplace, especially given the frequent updates to state and federal employment statutes. Seeking the guidance of a knowledgeable employment law attorney in Charleston is an important step for those in Charleston who suspect their rights might have been violated. We regularly advise workers on the best course of action when faced with retaliation, unpaid wages, or termination based on protected characteristics. In many cases, understanding your options as an employee starts with a consultation about specific local circumstances, which may include interactions with employers operating within the jurisdiction of the Kanawha County Courthouse. Our employment law lawyer in Charleston offers clarity and confidence throughout each phase of the legal process so clients understand their options clearly and are prepared to take appropriate action.
Our employment attorneys help Charleston workers with employment challenges in a variety of ways:
- Providing legal consultations: We offer in-depth consultations to review workplace disputes and determine the most effective legal strategies for each situation.
- Representing employees in court: Our attorneys represent clients in Charleston courtrooms, including the Kanawha County Courthouse, for issues involving wrongful termination, wage disputes, and discrimination.
- Advising on compliance with employment regulations: We help clients and employers adhere to evolving state and federal laws to avoid future disputes and remain compliant with current standards.
- Guiding on documentation and evidence collection: We carefully explain what documentation and evidence employees may need for successful claims, making the legal process less overwhelming.
TRUE STORIES FROM REAL CLIENTS
At Rod Smith Law PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"They went above and beyond and they treated me with the upmost respect"If you need an attorney, Rod is your guy!- Former Client
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"I'm truly grateful for Rod Smith's dedication!"I had an excellent experience working with Rod Smith on my wrongful termination case. Rodney Smith was a strong advocate for me during a very difficult time, ensuring that my voice was heard and my rights were protected.- Megan R.
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"Rod Smith goes above and beyond for his clients!"I can't say enough good things about Rodney Smith and his team. I truly felt like I had a voice and someone fighting for me.- Former Client
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"I literally couldn't be happier!"Everyone I have talked to has been extremely helpful and professional; they are working hard and keeping me well-informed. I literally couldn't be happier with the job they are doing!- Jason B.
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"They care when no one else does!"Rod and his team have been extremely supportive and patient with me. The event that brought me to their door had me severely depressed, and they cared.- Autumn Q.
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"The best lawyer ever! They respond right away"They go above and beyond for you- Katelyn C.
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"We truly appreciated Rod’s compassion and professionalism!"My son has cognitive delays, and Rod spoke to him with genuine kindness and made sure he felt heard and comfortable.- Shannon B. (Written on behalf of my son – mother/advocate)
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"Rod and Alex is very impressive!"The level of expertise and knowledge demonstrated by Rod and Alex is very impressive! I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who wants to feel secure throughout the legal process.- CW
FAQ's About Employment & Labor Law In Charleston
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How Does the Charleston Legal Landscape Address Wage Disputes?
Wage disputes in Charleston can arise from unpaid overtime, wage theft, or incorrect classification of employment status. It's important to review your pay records and employment terms to identify discrepancies. Consulting with a knowledgeable labor lawyer in Charleston who can help you interpret complex wage laws and advocate on your behalf is essential. Rod Smith Law PLLC offers comprehensive services to help resolve wage disputes efficiently and fairly, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
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Are There Specific Laws in Charleston for Disability Discrimination?In Charleston, laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provide strong protections for workers with disabilities. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations and cannot discriminate based on a person’s disability. If you experience discrimination, document the actions and discuss your situation with an employment attorney in Charleston to understand your rights and available legal actions. Engagement in an interactive process with your employer can often resolve reasonable accommodation issues without litigation.
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What Steps Should I Take if I'm Wrongfully Terminated?In the event of wrongful termination, document all related incidents and communications with your employer. Reviewing your employment contract and understanding what defines wrongful termination in West Virginia is crucial. Meet with an employment lawyer to explore your options, which may include negotiation or filing a complaint through state channels. The legal team at Rod Smith Law PLLC is ready to help you through this process and to advise you on potential remedies.