The law of the state of Washington defines sexual harassment as conduct that is unwelcome, and encompasses both physical and verbal acts. The types of sexual harassment that are most common when done by an employer are sexual advances, the exchange of workplace favoritism for sexual favors, and the creation of a hostile work environment that is overly sexual.

How does Washington Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers who are located in Pierce County can be required to create and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, procedures for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.

The laws of the state of Washington and federal law have both appointed agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given Pierce County work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. Furthermore, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.

How can a Washington attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and show a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. Because of this, working with a Pierce County attorney might be the best way to make sure that your claim is processed in a timely manner.