Sexual Harassment
Serving Families Throughout Charleston
Charleston Sexual Harassment Attorney
Advocating for Your Rights with Compassionate Expertise
Every employee deserves a safe, respectful workplace free from sexual harassment. If you are searching for a sexual harassment attorney in Charleston, our team is here to protect your rights.
If you have been subjected to unprofessional actions or attitudes that have caused you embarrassment or uneasiness, your employment rights are being violated.
Turn to a legal team that focuses on holding violators of the law accountable. At Rod Smith Law PLLC, we are dedicated to assisting victims of workplace mistreatment and sexual harassment.
Let our legal team defend your rights.
Have you experienced sexual harassment at work in Charleston? Call Rod Smith Law PLLC today at (304) 406-7076 or contact us online for a complimentary consultation and discover how we can safeguard your rights.
Identifying Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment can take many forms. It can come from co-workers, supervisors, managers, and others in the workplace. Employees may be harassed by members of the opposite sex as well as members of their own sex. These behaviors can interfere with the harassed employee’s work performance and can make the workplace intimidating, offensive, and hostile.
Sexual harassment behaviors can include any unwanted physical or verbal actions, such as:
- Sexual advances
- Requests for sexual favors
- Crude sexual remarks
- Inappropriate texts, emails, or videos
- Inappropriate touching or brushing up against a person
- Lewd jokes
- Sexual innuendos
- Comments about a person’s body
- Sexually suggestive photos, language, cartoons, or other material
- Sexist company policies that discriminate, such as denying promotions or raises due to gender
- Direct or implied threats or bribes for sexual activity, also known as Quid Pro Quo harassment
Common Types of Sexual Harassment in The Workplace
Two common types of sexual harassment occur in an employee’s workplace:
- Quid pro quo harassment
- Hostile work environment
Harassment resulting in a hostile work environment occurs when an employee is facing constant sexual joking, innuendos, or inappropriate behaviors even after being asked to stop. This type of behavior has adverse effects on job performance.
Our sexual harassment lawyers in Charleston and Morgantown are here to help defend your rights in your workplace. Contact Rod Smith Law PLLC for a free consultation about your case. Be sure to review our sexual harassment checklist to better prepare for your case.
Learn more about the types of sexual harassment by reading our blog!
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo, which is Latin for "something for something," refers to an exchange of goods, services, or favors in which one transfer is contingent upon the other. Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a person in a position of authority, such as a supervisor or manager, seeks sexual favors from an employee in exchange for job benefits, promotions, raises, or other favorable treatment in the workplace. This type of harassment is often linked to employment benefits and can create a hostile work environment for the affected individuals. Quid pro quo harassment is illegal under state and federal law.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in Charleston
In a city with a thriving economy and diverse workforce, it’s essential to create workplaces where every individual feels safe, respected, and free from harassment. The West Virginia Human Rights Act provides valuable protections for those facing such challenges, providing a statutory right to seek civil justice for victims of sexual harassment. Our team at Rod Smith Law PLLC is committed to supporting victims of sexual harassment in their pursuit of justice against those who have violated their rights.
While local businesses and organizations recognize the importance of fostering a safe work environment, many employees still encounter unprofessional behavior that disrupts their work life. Whether it’s inappropriate sexual comments from a colleague or unwanted advances from a supervisor, these actions can create a toxic atmosphere that affects not only individual well-being but also overall workplace productivity.
Charleston residents may also face unique challenges related to sexual harassment, such as a lack of awareness about their rights or fear of retaliation from employers. It’s essential to understand that you are protected under both state and federal laws, and there are local resources available to help you navigate these difficult situations. If you find yourself in a hostile work environment, it’s important to document incidents and seek legal advice promptly.
At Rod Smith Law PLLC, we are dedicated to supporting Charleston employees in asserting their rights and pursuing justice. We have spent decades helping individuals seek justice in the local court system. We also understand and have experience getting victims of sexual harassment the help they need in our community. Our team can provide compassionate support and effective legal representation to make your voice heard.
What Counts as a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile work environment occurs when sexual conduct or comments make it hard for an employee to feel safe or respected at work. This could be ongoing, repetitive behavior or a single severe incident.
Examples of conduct that may create a hostile environment include:
- Repeated sexual jokes or comments directed at you or others
- Inappropriate physical contact, such as touching or grabbing
- Circulating sexual images, videos, or suggestive messages
- Persistent advances after you’ve made it clear they are unwanted
- Spreading sexual rumors or making degrading remarks about an employee
Employers in Charleston have a duty to act promptly once they become aware of harassment. Ignoring the problem can result in legal liability. Additionally, employers can be strictly liable for sexual harassment by supervisors.
How to Respond if You’re Harassed at Work in Charleston
Experiencing sexual harassment on the job can feel overwhelming and isolating, but you are not without options. Taking the right steps early can protect your rights, strengthen your case, and prevent further mistreatment. If you believe you’ve been harassed in a Charleston workplace, here are some important actions to consider:
- Document the Behavior – Write down each incident, noting the date, time, location, what was said or done, and who witnessed it. Keep copies of texts, emails, or messages.
- Talk to a Lawyer – A Charleston sexual harassment attorney can explain your rights, help protect you from retaliation, and guide you if you move forward with a legal action. A lawyer can also help you with the reporting of any sexual harassment.
- Be Alert for Retaliation – If your employer changes your hours, pay, or work assignments after you report harassment, that could be an unlawful response. It is essential to consult a lawyer to help you navigate this issue.
Protecting Against Retaliation in Harassment Claims
We understand that you may feel too intimidated to stand up for your rights or that your harasser or employer may retaliate against you if you try to stop it. However, sexual harassment should not be tolerated in the workplace, and you are protected.
Any form of retaliation against you for making a claim of sexual harassment is unlawful. Such adverse actions can include your employer treating you differently, scheduling you to work alongside the harasser, failing to immediately investigate your complaints, reducing your pay, or terminating your employment.
If your claim is successful, you may be awarded lost wages, punitive damages, and human loss-type damages such as emotional distress, embarrassment, and loss of dignity.
Contact Our Charleston Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
If you have been subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, our experienced Charleston sexual harassment lawyers at Rod Smith Law PLLC are ready to protect you. We have helped many West Virginia employees hold their employers accountable and recover compensation. Specific time limits apply for sexual harassment claims, so speak with one of our sexual harassment attorneys in Charleston and Morgantown as early as possible.
Take the first step toward justice—reach out to our Charleston sexual harassment attorneys now to discuss your case and explore your legal options!
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