No one deserves to ever become the victim of sexual harassment. If this has happened to you in the workplace, you may be worrying that there is no way to stand up for what you have been through. If this is something you have recently experienced, you need a legal team that you can depend on. Sexual harassment can lead to physical injuries along with emotional traumas. During this sensitive time, it helps to have our Clarksburg, WV workplace sexual harassment lawyer support you while holding the offender accountable. Please do not hesitate to reach out today for a free consultation appointment. At Hayhurst Law PLLC, we are here for you.
How Sexual Harassment Is Defined
Sexual harassment may be directed at one individual person, or many. Our workplace sexual harassment attorney knows that this can persist in the workplace in both small businesses or larger corporations. If this is a situation you have been through, remember that you don’t have to tolerate behavior of this nature. There are federal and state laws that protect you and offer remedies in the form of compensation to halt this behavior and hold the perpetrators responsible. If you have questions, contact our workplace sexual harassment attorney right away.
An employee may be owed compensation for the harassment they endured, such as for future and past wages, benefits, emotional suffering, and punitive damages. When a person commits harassment in the workplace, our workplace sexual harassment attorney believes that they should be immediately held accountable. As our Clarksburg workplace sexual harassment lawyer explains, this is often how sexual harassment is defined:
- Quid pro quo: when a person in a higher position makes unwanted sexual advances towards someone in a subordinate role.
- Hostile work environment: the workplace becomes saturated with sexual talk, conduct, or behavior where a person feels oppressed and cannot focus on their job tasks.
- Request for sexual favors: asking for sexual favors in exchange for job security, promotion, or other benefits.
- Displaying material that is sexually explicit: sharing jokes, stories, or suggestive images in the workplace.
- Non-verbal harassment: using sexually explicit gestures, staring at someone, or making advances that are unwanted.
- Physical harassment: inappropriate touching, rubbing, caressing, kissing, or other unwanted engagement with a person’s body and/or clothing.
Hayhurst Law PLLC
Every person deserves to feel safe everywhere they go. Unfortunately, workplaces can be where incidents of sexual harassment can and do occur. If you feel uncomfortable with an incident that happened in the workplace, then it may be time to speak with our Clarksburg workplace sexual harassment lawyer. At Hayhurst Law PLLC, we know how concerning these incidents can be in the workplace. Employers must take precautions and measures to enforce safety for all. We understand that violations of a sexual nature can be particularly troublesome. Let us provide a safe space for you to tell us about what happened and then we can discuss your options. To find out if your circumstances warrant legal action, please contact us today.
Types Of Workplace Sexual Harassment Cases We Handle
Workplace sexual harassment is a serious violation of your rights—and no one should ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable at their place of work. Unfortunately, many employees still face unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or retaliatory behavior from coworkers, supervisors, or even clients. At our law firm, we are dedicated to standing up for victims of sexual harassment and holding employers accountable for failing to provide a safe work environment.
Our Clarksburg, WV workplace sexual harassment lawyer handles a wide variety of workplace sexual harassment cases. Here are the most common types we see:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo harassment occurs when employment decisions—such as hiring, promotion, or continued employment—are tied to the acceptance or rejection of sexual advances. For example, a supervisor may suggest that submitting to romantic or sexual behavior will result in a raise or favorable assignment, or imply that rejecting such advances will lead to termination. This type of harassment is illegal, and our firm aggressively pursues justice in these cases.
Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment is created when unwelcome sexual conduct becomes so severe or pervasive that it affects an employee’s ability to work. This may include:
- Repeated sexual jokes or innuendos
- Inappropriate comments about someone’s appearance
- Sharing of explicit images or videos
- Unwanted touching or physical contact
- Sexual gestures or noises
Even if the behavior isn’t coming from a supervisor, employers are responsible for addressing it. If they fail to act, they may be held liable.
Retaliation After Reporting Harassment
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for reporting sexual harassment or participating in an investigation. Retaliation may include:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Pay reduction
- Unfavorable work assignments
- Hostile behavior from management or coworkers
We handle many cases where victims were punished simply for speaking up. You have the right to report misconduct without fear of losing your job or being treated unfairly.
Same-Sex Harassment
Sexual harassment is not limited to interactions between men and women. It can also occur between individuals of the same gender. The law protects all employees regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. If you are facing same-sex harassment, our firm will treat your case with the seriousness and respect it deserves.
Third-Party Harassment
Sometimes harassment comes from someone who is not a direct employee—such as a vendor, client, or contractor. Employers still have a duty to take action if you report harassment from a third party. We handle these complex cases and ensure employers take responsibility for the safety of their work environment.
Failure To Investigate Or Take Action
Employers are legally required to investigate harassment complaints and take appropriate action. If your employer ignored your complaint, failed to respond, or protected the harasser instead of the victim, they may be liable. We help clients hold negligent employers accountable.
We’re Here To Support You
Sexual harassment in the workplace is not only wrong—it’s against the law. At Hayhurst Law PLLC, we know that you deserve to work in an environment that is respectful and safe. If you’ve been the victim of workplace sexual harassment, our Clarksburg workplace sexual harassment lawyer is here to listen, support you, and pursue justice on your behalf.
