Workplace Harassment Attorney
Workplace Harassment Attorney in Washington State
Every worker deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued on the job. Unfortunately, harassment in the workplace remains one of the most common and harmful employment law violations in Washington. Whether it takes the form of sexual harassment, offensive jokes or slurs, unwanted physical contact, or bullying that targets a protected characteristic, no one should have to tolerate a hostile work environment.
At Whalley Law, we help employees across Tacoma, Seattle, and throughout King and Pierce Counties take a stand against harassment. Our attorneys understand how intimidating it can be to speak out, especially when the offender is a supervisor or someone in authority. We take your concerns seriously, explain your legal options clearly, and fight to hold employers accountable for failing to prevent or address harassment.
Workplace harassment violates both federal law under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Washington’s Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). Employers have a legal duty to maintain a workplace free from harassment and to take corrective action when complaints arise. When they ignore these responsibilities, victims can seek compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and other damages.
We provide confidential consultations to discuss what you have experienced and help determine if the behavior meets the legal definition of harassment. If it does, our team will guide you through every step, from filing internal complaints and agency charges to pursuing formal legal action when needed.
Washington’s Workplace Harassment Protections
Washington’s Law Against Discrimination provides strong protections for employees who face harassment or retaliation. Under this law, harassment is illegal when it targets a person’s protected characteristic, such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, national origin, age, or veteran status.
Local laws add even more protection. In Seattle, the Office for Civil Rights enforces city ordinances that cover sexual harassment, gender identity discrimination, and retaliation for reporting workplace misconduct. Workers in Tacoma and Pierce County benefit from similar protections under the state law and may also file claims with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
Washington’s laws also go further than federal standards in some ways. They allow for personal liability against individual harassers in certain cases and do not cap damages for emotional harm or lost wages. This means that employees in Seattle, King County, and Pierce County have some of the most powerful legal tools in the country to address workplace harassment and secure justice.
At Whalley Law, we are committed to using those tools to protect your dignity and restore a sense of safety in your workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Harassment in Washington
What counts as workplace harassment in Washington?
Workplace harassment includes unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics such as sex, race, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation that creates a hostile or intimidating environment or affects employment decisions.
Do I have to report harassment to my employer before taking legal action?
In most cases, yes. You should report the harassment through your company’s internal process so the employer has a chance to investigate. Failing to report it may affect your claim, but exceptions exist if reporting would be unsafe or futile.
How long do I have to file a workplace harassment claim in Washington?
Claims under Washington law generally must be filed within three years, but EEOC or Human Rights Commission complaints must be filed within 180 to 300 days. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I be fired for reporting harassment?
No. Retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination is illegal in Washington. If your employer punishes or fires you for speaking up, you may have a separate retaliation claim.
What compensation can I recover for workplace harassment?
Victims of harassment may recover damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other financial losses. Washington law does not cap damages for emotional or financial harm caused by illegal workplace harassment.
Don’t Delay in Reporting Harassment
If you are being harassed at work, timing is critical. Washington law protects employees from retaliation for reporting harassment, but strict deadlines apply to certain types of claims. For example, if you file through the Washington State Human Rights Commission or the EEOC, you may have as little as 180 to 300 days to act. Waiting too long can make it harder to collect evidence, identify witnesses, or prove your case.
In workplaces throughout Seattle, Tacoma, and the surrounding counties, internal complaint policies often require prompt reporting. Acting early helps document the harassment and shows that you took the issue seriously. The sooner you contact an employment attorney, the sooner you can protect your rights, preserve your claim, and stop the behavior before it escalates further.
Whalley Law
6240 Tacoma Mall Blvd. Ste. 101
Tacoma, WA 98409
833-WALL-EEE
833-925-5333
1319 N Argonne Rd
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
833-WALL-EEE
833-925-5333