Sexual harassment is defined by North Carolina law as unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature, which includes both verbal and physical actions. The forms 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 North Carolina Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First of all, employers in the city of Lumberton may be required to formulate company policies with regards to sexual harassment and post these in a visible location so that employees may be informed. The policies should at least include: contact information for the reporting of sexual harassment incidents, an outline of policies to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.
Furthermore, federal and North Carolina laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Lumberton to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a North Carolina attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and prove a claim involving sexual harassment. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are frequently understaffed and overworked. Thus, hiring an attorney in Lumberton can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that North Carolina has defined.