Employment Law Attorneys in Morgantown, WV
Our Attorneys Protect the Rights of Workers Across West Virginia
The Morgantown employment law attorneys at Klie Law Offices understand the anxiety and stress a hostile work environment or employment dispute can cause. If you’ve fallen victim to harassment, wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, wage discrepancies, breach of contract, or any other issue with your employer, remember you have rights.
Every state, including West Virginia, has labor laws designed to protect employees and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. When your boss, supervisor, manager, or colleague violates these rights, you may have grounds for legal action. Often, this includes the option to file a lawsuit to get compensated for your losses.
Your Legal Team in Morgantown and Throughout West Virginia
Our lawyers in Morgantown have years of experience successfully handling employment law cases. We have extensive knowledge of the West Virginia justice system and can answer any question you bring to the table.
For specific advice tailored to your unique legal situation and goals, contact our law offices for a free case evaluation. We’ll meet with you at our Morgantown office or come to you, whichever you prefer.
Common Forms of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination
Illegal harassment and discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, including:
- Verbal and non-verbal remarks
- Sexual harassment or actual sexual assault
- Intimidation through psychologically or physically threatening behavior
- Ostracizing, such as intentionally excluding or isolating someone
- Humiliation and embarrassment
- Overburdening with work, preventing someone from doing their full work, sabotage, or destructive criticism
- Retaliation after filing a complaint
- Invasion of privacy
- Unwanted physical contact
Identifying Legally Actionable Workplace Issues
Not all unpleasant work situations qualify as legally actionable harassment or discrimination. Typically, you may file a discrimination or harassment lawsuit when an employer treats you differently based on a legally protected category.
These categories include race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. You may also have a case if your employer retaliates against you for taking a protected action, such as reporting workplace misconduct in good faith.
Work harassment and discrimination can impact employment in many different ways, including:
- Hiring and firing processes
- Training opportunities
- Layoff decisions
- Fringe benefits
- Pay and promotions
- Work expectations and workload
- Performance evaluations
- Work schedule
- Vacation and sick time allocation
Our Morgantown Employment Law Attorneys Protect You From Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires someone for an illegal reason, such as violating anti-discrimination laws or retaliating against a protected action.
While wrongful termination settlements vary widely, the national average hovers around $40,000. However, each case is unique, with outcomes depending on specific circumstances and the employee’s income level.
West Virginia’s Employee Protection Laws
While there are federal workplace protections in place, West Virginia has enacted laws to foster safe work environments.
The state prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, or disability. It also protects employees from retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as filing a complaint against an employer in good faith.
Employer Responsibilities and Non-Employee Harassment
Your employer bears responsibility for all your working conditions, not just your coworkers’ conduct. A hostile work environment can arise from interactions with vendors, clients, and other non-employees who have business relationships with your company. If your employer fails to take prompt action to stop harassment, they may face legal liability, meaning your employer could be held legally responsible for workplace harassment by a non-employee.
How Our Morgantown Employment Lawyers Can Help
Many workplace harassment and discrimination victims hesitate to file claims, fearing disbelief or lack of evidence. At Klie Law Offices, we prioritize employees’ rights.
Our Morgantown employment attorneys recognize the lengths to which perpetrators of discrimination and harassment will go to conceal their misconduct. We know how to uncover the truth and fight for justice for those subject to toxic workplaces.
If you face harassment or discrimination, document each instance of abuse. Keep personal records detailing when harassment occurs, including the actions, time, place, and individuals involved. This documentation can strengthen your claim.
Our law firm can conduct a thorough investigation of your claim, gathering evidence such as:
- Personnel files and pay records
- Employee handbooks, contracts, job descriptions
- Physical evidence of harassment or discrimination (e.g., emails, voice messages, photos)
- Mental health and medical records
- Witness statements
Cost of Legal Consultation with Our Morgantown Employment Attorneys
Klie Law Offices offers free case evaluations to individuals who suspect they’ve experienced illegal treatment at work. The evaluation doesn’t cost money upfront. A member of our legal team will listen to your story, explain relevant laws, and help you explore your potential options.
Steps to Take in a Hostile Work Environment
If you’re suffering in a toxic work environment, it’s important to understand your rights. West Virginia law mandates that employers provide workplaces free from sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex, race, age, disability, and other protected characteristics.
Workplace abuse can manifest in various forms, including missed promotions, low wages, limited access to benefits, and wrongful termination. If any of these situations sound familiar, you need a Morgantown employment law attorney on your side.
Contact Klie Law Offices immediately for a free case evaluation. We commit ourselves to standing up for your rights and helping you achieve justice in the workplace.
Your well-being matters, and you deserve a safe, respectful work environment. Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from seeking help. At Klie Law Offices, we’re here to support you every step of the way and ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Let us help you reclaim your workplace dignity and secure the fair treatment you deserve under the law.
