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

First of all, employers in the city of Cabell County may be required to establish 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 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 West Virginia 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 Cabell County are true. These laws also prohibit employers from firing workers or taking any retaliatory action against workers who have complained of sexual harassment.

How can a West Virginia attorney help?

Without expertise in the applicable laws, both investigating and establishing a sexual harassment claim can be difficult. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, often too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Thus, hiring a Cabell County lawyer can be the surest way to file your sexual harassment claim within the deadlines specified by the state of West Virginia.