Sexual Harassment under West Virginia Law

West Virginia Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Regardless of your sex, race, religion, or disabilities, you have the right to be free from harassment at work.  Sexual harassment is the most common form of harassment employees suffer.  Sexual harassment is against the law when it is so severe or constant that it affects the conditions of the victim’s employment and creates an abusive work environment.

Sexual Harassment under West Virginia and Federal Law

Federal law applies to any sexual harassment claims involving an employer with more than fifteen employees.  In West Virginia, the West Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits sexual harassment by employers with over 12 employees.  However, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has held that sexual harassment by any employer violates public policy.  Since sexual harassment law is a complicated field, it’s advisable to speak with an experienced West Virginia employment lawyer if you have been harassed at work.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can take many forms.  Repeatedly being subjected to sexually-charged jokes, being grabbed, groped or whistled at, being subjected to unwanted sexual advances can all be considered sexual harassment.  Requests for sexual favors or other physical, visual or verbal conduct of a sexual nature may also be acts of sexual harassment.  A court or jury deciding whether an employee was sexually harassed will look at all the facts of a sexual harassment claim.  That is why important to speak with a sexual harassment attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim and your right to a harassment-free workplace.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor asks for sexual favors from an employee in exchange for his assistance in promoting, hiring or retaining the employee.  The demand for sexual favors often goes something like, “if you sleep with me, I’ll make sure you keep your job.”  In West Virginia quid pro quo sexual harassment cases, a single sexual advance may constitute harassment if it involves the loss of an employee benefit or the loss of the employee’s job.

Hiring a West Virginia Sexual Harassment Lawyer

At West Law Offices, we recognize that many victims of sexual harassment are forced to abandon their job or are fired for complaining about the harassment.  We understand that for most of us, our job is our primary source of income.  That is why we charge our clients no fee until their case is settled or won.

For a free consultation with a West Virginia sexual harassment attorney, call us toll free today at 877-943-9378.

Brooks West, Esq.

Brooks West is a personal injury lawyer with almost two decades of experience and the founder and President of West Law Firm. Brooks is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which represents one of the most prestigious groups of injury lawyers in the United States — fewer than 1% of U.S. attorneys are members. Brooks has also been awarded the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Above all, Brooks’ mission is to provide clients with life-changing results.