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, it’s crucial for hardworking West Virginians to 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 lawyers 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 West Virginia employment lawyers can help safeguard your employee rights. Call (304) 406-7076 or contact us online to request a free consultation.
Sexual Harassment Attorneys 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.
It’s imperative for employees to 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.
If you’ve been mistreated in the workplace, it’s crucial to seek representation immediately. Contact us online or call (304) 406-7076 to discuss your concerns with our Charleston employment lawyer.
Awards & associations
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Verdicts, Judgments, and Settlements
The lawyers at Rod Smith Law have fought for and obtained more than $100,000,000 in verdicts, judgment, and settlements for our clients. No company is too big, and no fight is too hard. If you are a West Virginia worker who has been wronged in the workplace, let us fight for you.
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Wrongful Death Verdict
Estate of five-year old child awarded a $72 million verdict in a wrongful death case.
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Illegally Withheld Wages
Recovered over $5 Million for thousands of West Virginia workers who were illegally withheld wages.
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.
- Verdicts, Judgments, and Settlements
- Wrongful Death Verdict
- 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.
FAQs About Employment & Labor Law in Charleston
What Is the Process to File a Complaint for Workplace Discrimination?
If you believe you've been discriminated against at work in Charleston, the first step is to document any incidents and gather evidence such as emails or witness statements. Next, consult an employment law attorney to evaluate your situation. Filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the West Virginia Human Rights Commission is typically required before pursuing legal action. The commission will investigate the claim and determine if there is cause to proceed. Each case is unique, so seeking personalized legal advice is crucial.
How Does Charleston Labor Law Protect Against Retaliation?
Retaliation laws in Charleston are designed to protect employees who exercise their rights, such as reporting discrimination or participating in investigations. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees through unfair treatment like demotion or termination. If you suspect retaliation, it's essential to keep detailed records of incidents and seek legal counsel immediately to ensure your rights are protected under relevant state and federal laws.
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.
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.
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.
Dealing with a workplace dispute? Take the first step—call (304) 406-7076 or contact us online to speak with a skilled employment attorney in Charleston today.
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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“Rod has armed himself with a team and compassionate individuals who will do their best to make sure you are heard and treated with respect throughout your legal journey.”- Jonathan H.
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“A wonderful firm with a wonderful team. They treat all their clients with care and respect.”- Sherri G.
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“Rod Smith Law Firm and their team's expertise and strategic thinking gave me great confidence throughout, and the outcome exceeded my expectations.”- Lynn F.
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- Alexandria S.
Rod Smith Law LLC , is the best! They are very welcoming and will answer any and every question you have regarding anything. I'd give them 5 stars over and over and over again.
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- Jason S.
Rod smith and his team did a phenomenal job, Alex Urban attorney that helped did a great job. They handled everything first class. Awesome job!!!!
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- Former Client
Everyone was so wise and ethical.
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Rod Smith Law office took my case and made me feel comfortable during the process. Alex did an outstanding job of facilitating everything and worked hard to get the case resolved with positive results! Thank you for everything!- Ken B.
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Rod and his team were incredibly professional, patient, and honest. I never felt like I didn't know where we were in the process or like my best interest was not being considered. This team made an otherwise very uncomfortable and unfortunate situation, peaceful and dignified.- Amanda T.