Your Washington Sexual Harassment Questions Answered: What if I Was Sexually Harassed by a Co-Worker in Tacoma?

Many Tacoma workers assume workplace sexual harassment only involves supervisors or managers. However, under Washington and federal sexual harassment laws, workplace sexual harassment may also involve inappropriate conduct by coworkers, coworkers in different departments, team members, or other employees within the workplace.

Workers who experience sexual harassment by a coworker in Tacoma often feel confused about what to do next. Some Tacoma employees may fear retaliation, worry about workplace tension, or hope the sexual harassment will eventually stop on its own. Unfortunately, workplace sexual harassment in Tacoma may sometimes continue or worsen if the sexual harassment is not properly addressed.

To help Tacoma workers better understand their rights, here we explain what you can do if you were sexually harassed by a co-worker in Tacoma and how a Washington sexual harassment lawyer can help protect your rights under Washington law.

Sexual Harassment by a Co-Worker May Still Violate Washington Law

Workplace sexual harassment in Tacoma does not need to involve a supervisor in order to potentially violate Washington and federal sexual harassment laws. In many Tacoma workplace sexual harassment cases, sexual harassment may come from coworkers or other individuals working within the company.

Sexual harassment by a coworker in Tacoma may involve repeated inappropriate comments, sexual jokes, offensive messages, unwanted touching, sexual advances, inappropriate photographs, hostile workplace behavior, or other conduct creating an intimidating or offensive work environment.

In some Tacoma sexual harassment cases, even conduct that Tacoma employers attempt to dismiss as “joking” or “not serious” may potentially contribute to unlawful workplace sexual harassment.

Employers May Still Have Responsibilities - And May be Liable

In many Tacoma workplace sexual harassment cases involving co-workers, Tacoma employers may still have legal responsibilities to address the conduct once they become aware of the sexual harassment.

For example, Tacoma employers may potentially face legal issues if they fail to properly investigate complaints, ignore repeated harassment, allow hostile work environments to continue, or retaliate against workers who report inappropriate conduct.

Unfortunately, some Tacoma workers may feel uncomfortable reporting sexual harassment internally because they fear retaliation, workplace conflict, embarrassment, or damage to their career. Because every Tacoma sexual harassment case is different, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

How a Tacoma Sexual Harassment Lawyer Can Help

An experienced Tacoma sexual harassment lawyer can help Tacoma workers investigate workplace sexual harassment claims and fight to protect their rights under Washington and federal laws.

An experienced Tacoma sexual harassment lawyer can help gather evidence, preserve workplace communications, address retaliation issues, evaluate legal claims, communicate with employers, and fight for compensation connected to workplace sexual harassment and related damages.

Finding Legal Help After Workplace Sexual Harassment in Tacoma - India Lin Bodien, Attorney at Law

Experienced Tacoma sexual harassment lawyer India Lin Bodien, Attorney at Law and her co-counsel fight for Tacoma workers who were subjected to workplace sexual harassment, retaliation, and other unlawful employment practices in Tacoma and throughout Washington State. If you were sexually harassed by a coworker in Tacoma and you need legal help protecting your rights, contact India Lin Bodien, Attorney at Law and speak with a lawyer about your case now.