The law of the state of Washington defines sexual harassment as conduct that is unwelcome, and encompasses both physical and verbal advances. 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 Washington Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers in Grandview are often required to formulate company policies regarding sexual conduct, which must be posted and visible to employees. 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.

There are also agencies which are established by federal and Washington 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 Grandview are true. These laws also prohibit employers from firing employees or taking any retaliatory action against workers who have complained of sexual harassment.

How can a Washington 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 Grandview can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Washington has defined.