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

First, employers in Hoquiam are often required to implement 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 procedures to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.

There are also agencies which are created 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 Hoquiam are true. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a Washington attorney help?

Investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. Federal investigators are often very overworked. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Hoquiam, as this might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Washington.