South Chazarleston Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Protecting Employees from Sexual Misconduct in Kanawha County
Sexual harassment can occur anywhere and affects employees from all walks of life. No workplace is immune from sexual harassment, whether a small family-owned and operated business or a large Fortune 500 company. If you or a loved one is suffering from unwanted sexual advances or uncomfortable behavior at your workplace, it is important to know that you have rights. You do not need to tolerate sexual misconduct in an effort to keep your job or protect your standing at work.
Rod Smith Law is prepared to take immediate action to confront your situation and protect your right to work with dignity. We understand how to successfully investigate and end sexual harassment in the workplace under the West Virginia Human Rights Act, Title VII, and numerous other state and federal laws.
To schedule a consultation with a South Charleston sexual harassment attorney, call us today at (304) 406-7076. We can start this confidential process discussing your concerns and all of your options.
Can I Be Fired for Reporting Sexual Harassment?
Employees in South Charleston and throughout the state must generally work “at-will.” However, this does not mean that an employee may be terminated for any reason, including reporting or refusing to participate in sexual conduct or advances. Evidence that the firing was in retaliation for or in response to making a sexual harassment complaint may corroborate a hostile work environment claim and is evidence of illegal whistleblowing retaliation in many cases.
What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Quid pro quo sexual harassment is a type of harassment where the harasser makes it known that a worker will be punished or lose other employment benefits if he or she refuses to submit to some form of sexual conduct, advances, or favors. This could be explicit comments from a supervisor involving a pay raise in exchange for sex, but it could also include more subtle gestures, requests, or touching during a conversation with an employer. Other employees that the victim is aware of that engage in this behavior may be proof to support that the victim was significantly harmed by the harassment.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in South Charleston?
Like other states, West Virginia has imposed a 2 year statue of limitations on most civil injuries and wrongs in West Virginia. In the case of sexual harassment, this 2-year period typically starts running on the day of the harassment or assault, but it can also be extended if the victim waits until called upon but is unable to act on the harassment/assault incident. There are limitations for each exception, so consult with an experienced attorney to find out how a specific event will affect your statute of limitations.
How Can a South Charleston Sexual Harassment Attorney Help Me?
A foundation of what we do is treating our clients with the compassion and respect they deserve. It is important to address your concerns with a legal professional unafraid of the powerful by bringing your claim directly to the company CEO and legal department if necessary. Initial inquiries should not be tweeted or shared on any specific forum, but your lawyer will keep any information or story you Share completely confidential, recognizing the sensitive nature of these claims.
What Is Considered a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile work environment is a workplace that is made difficult due to a number of behaviors or actions. These can include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Offensive verbal comments
- Implicit threats
- Employer inaction when illegal behavior creates significant discomfort
- Discrimination in work assignments or other decisions
- Hostile or threatening behavior by supervisors or coworkers
The overall perception of hostility or unduly uncomfortable behavior in any area of employment may lead to financial compensation. It is important to address sexual discrimination in the workplace in a calm, rational, but also timely manner. In many cases, engaging experienced legal counsel to help investigate your concerns and protect your rights is the best approach for your future.
Choose a South Charleston Unwanted Sexual Advances Lawyer with Strength & Experience
Come see what we mean when we tell you that at Rod Smith Law, our family represents yours. A family does not just help those who are too stressed, too overmatched, and too overwhelmed by a situation to defend themselves and their families. And with so much fear and discomfort weighing on the victim of sexual assault and harassment, we work to create an environment of trust where you can be open about your experiences without worrying.
We will answer your questions with a thorough understanding of our state’s laws protecting workers from sexual harassment and assault. We are proud to fight for employment civil rights in various cases, including sexual harassment in South Charleston.
To confidentially share your story or get relevant legal advice that reveals your options, contact our office at (304) 406-7076 today. At Rod Smith Law, we do what it takes.
