Morgantown Sexual Harassment Attorneys
Supportive, Strategic Representation Against Sexual Abuse in the Workplace
Experiencing sexual harassment at work can leave you feeling anxious, isolated, and unsure of what to do next. You may be worried about retaliation, losing your job, or not being believed. If you are facing this situation, you deserve more than vague reassurance. You deserve legal guidance that protects you and a team that takes your experiences seriously.
Rod Smith Law PLLC represents employees in Morgantown and across West Virginia in workplace sexual harassment matters. These cases are handled with sensitivity, discretion, and the trial-ready preparation needed to hold employers accountable.
We’re here to listen and help you understand your options. Call (304) 406-7076 or contact us online.
Why Choose Rod Smith Law PLLC to Advocate for You
Choosing a lawyer for a sexual harassment case is personal. You need experience, but you also need trust. We work hard to make sure you feel informed, protected, and supported from the first call forward.
Clients come to Rod Smith Law PLLC because we offer:
- Decades of employment law experience representing workers
- Courtroom experience and the ability to fight in court or arbitration
- Straight answers and clear guidance from the beginning
- Free initial consultations, and you do not pay unless we collect
- Responsive communication with calls and messages
- Virtual consultations when in-person meetings are difficult
Understanding the Nuances of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Workplace sexual harassment can take various forms, each with distinct characteristics and implications.
The different forms of sexual harassment include the following:
- Hostile Work Environment Harassment. Hostile work environment harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature creates feelings of intimidation or offensiveness for the victim. Hostile work environment harassment may involve behaviors from coworkers, clients, customers, or other individuals in the workplace, not just those in positions of authority. This type of harassment can encompass a wide range of conduct, including sexually explicit comments or jokes, unwelcome physical contact, lewd gestures, or the display of sexually suggestive images or materials in the workplace. The critical factor in determining hostile work environment harassment is whether the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create an abusive working environment.
- Quid Pro Quo. Quid pro quo harassment occurs when an individual in a higher position, such as a supervisor or manager, demands sexual favors from an employee in exchange for job benefits or to avoid adverse employment consequences. This type of harassment typically involves direct or implied threats of retaliation if the victim does not comply with the harasser's demands. Examples include a supervisor conditioning a promotion or raise on the acceptance of sexual advances or threats of termination if the victim refuses to engage in a sexual relationship.
When Workplace Harassment Becomes a Legal Claim
You may have a valid claim even if you do not have perfect documentation or you did not report it right away. What matters is the full picture.
Consider reaching out to our lawyers if any of the following apply:
- You experienced unwelcome sexual conduct, comments, requests, or contact at work
- You reported the behavior and your employer did not take meaningful action
- The harassment affected your ability to work or made the workplace feel unsafe
- You were threatened, punished, demoted, or fired after rejecting conduct or reporting it
- You felt forced to resign because staying became intolerable
If you are questioning whether what happened “counts,” that is a sign it is worth discussing with a lawyer. A confidential consultation can help you understand whether the facts support legal action and what options may be available. You can talk to our lawyers through a free case consultation.
What Our Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyers Can Do for You
The legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when you are still working for the employer or trying to rebuild your life after leaving. Rod Smith Law PLLC focuses on both protection and outcomes.
Depending on your situation, we may be able to:
- Evaluate your options and explain what to expect
- Identify deadlines and preserve your right to bring a claim
- Help you document the situation safely and strategically
- Communicate with your employer, HR, or opposing counsel on your behalf
- Pursue your rights through negotiations or litigation
- Prepare every case fully and fight for you no matter how big the employer
Damages You Can Recover
Sexual harassment can affect your income, your career path, and your health. Compensation can be available for both financial losses and the personal harm caused by the conduct and the employer’s failure to stop it.
Depending on the facts, recoverable damages may include:
- Lost wages and lost future earnings
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Costs tied to the harm, including medical or counseling expenses
- Punitive damages
- Other compensable losses available under state or federal law
In our experience, accountability matters as much as compensation to those we’ve represented. Legal action can also help prevent the harasser from continuing to harm others.
