Sexual harassment is defined under North Carolina law as unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature, which includes both verbal and physical actions. 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 North Carolina Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, Smithfield employers can be required to implement company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. 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 North Carolina and federal law have both appointed agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given Smithfield work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. Additionally, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.

How can a North Carolina attorney help?

It can be difficult to both investigate and establish a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Smithfield, as this might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of North Carolina.