According to Maryland law, sexual harassment is defined as the unwanted conduct that is of a sexual nature, and includes both verbal advances and physical actions Sexual advances, creating a hostile work environment that is blatantly sexual in nature, and sexual advances are some of the more prevalent forms of sexual harassment amongst employers.
How does Maryland Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, Hagerstown employers can be required to create company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. 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 successful).
Furthermore, federal and Maryland laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Hagerstown to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Additionally, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a Maryland attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and establish a claim involving sexual harassment. Federal investigators are often extremely overworked. Therefore, hiring a lawyer in Hagerstown may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by Maryland for sexual harassment matters.