What is Sexual Harassment under West Virginia Law?
The law of the state of West Virginia defines sexual harassment as conduct that is unwelcome, and encompasses both physical and verbal advances. Some types of sexual harassment that are most commonly committed by an employer include exchanging favoritism for sexual favors, the creation of a hostile work environment of a sexual nature, and sexual advances.
How does West Virginia Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, Martinsburg employers may be required to formulate company policies concerning sexual conduct and post them for employees to see. Matters covered by such policies should include contact information used by employees to report incidents, handling procedures for claims, and corrective measures (in the event that a claim turns out to be true).
There are also agencies which are created by federal and West Virginia law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Martinsburg are true. Also, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.
How can a West Virginia attorney help?
Investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harrassment are, unfortunatly, often too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Martinsburg can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that West Virginia has defined.
