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 who are located in Pacific can be required to implement and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, process for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.

The laws of the state of Washington and federal law have both established agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given Pacific work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. Also, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.

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. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, frequently too busy to give much attention to any one claim. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Pacific, as this may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Washington.