FREE Legal Forms: AK, CA, HI, ID, OR, WA

   

by Gregory Williams, Esq. |  What are some free resources for reliable and trusted legal forms in Washington State, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho and Oregon? Here's my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding). 

WASHINGTON STATE

FREE Washington State Legal Forms is a website designed, developed, and maintained by Attorney Gregory Williams. It both provides free access to trusted legal forms and offers reliability reviews for each source website.

Free forms are categorized and include, but are not limited to, the following subjects:

• Bankruptcy
• Divorce 
• Child Support
• Family Law
• Parenting Plans
• Power of Attorney
• Wills & Health Care Directives 
• and much more...

ALASKA, CALIFORNIA, HAWAII, IDAHO, & OREGON

We've received an overwhelming response to our FREE Legal Forms websites, and we're in the process of enhancing the websites for these states by (1) adding security certificates, (2) making them mobile friendly, and (3) migrating them to a safer and more reliable hosting provider (to see these enhancements, visit our WA State website). In the meantime, these websites will be down. Please check back soon!

 

   

PLEASE NOTE

The information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

WLAD: Definition of Employment Agency

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | What is the definition of the term “employment agency” under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)? Here's my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

WASHINGTON LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

Under WLAD, it is an unfair practice, with very few exceptions, for an employer to refuse to hire any person, to discharge or bar any person from employment, or to discriminate against any person in compensation or in other terms and conditions of employment because of age (40+); sex (including pregnancy); marital status; sexual orientation (including gender identity); race; color; creed; national origin; honorably discharged veteran or military status; HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C status; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and state employee or health care whistleblower status. It is also an unfair practice for an employer to retaliate against an employee because the employee complained about job discrimination or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

DEFINITION OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

Chapter 49.60.040(12) RCW is the relevant law, and it defines the term “employment agency” as follows:

"Employment agency" includes any person undertaking with or without compensation to recruit, procure, refer, or place employees for an employer.

RCW 49.60.040(12) (emphasis added) (hyperlinks added).

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

Washington State Human Rights Commission Complaints

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), who may file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

WASHINGTON LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

Under WLAD, it is an unfair practice, with very few exceptions, for an employer to refuse to hire any person, to discharge or bar any person from employment, or to discriminate against any person in compensation or in other terms and conditions of employment because of age (40+); sex (including pregnancy); marital status; sexual orientation (including gender identity); race; color; creed; national origin; honorably discharged veteran or military status; HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C status; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and state employee or health care whistleblower status. It is also an unfair practice for an employer to retaliate against an employee because the employee complained about job discrimination or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

WASHINGTON STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

The WSHRC was established by the Washington State Legislature in 1949, and it "is a state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination." WSHRC Official Website, last accessed 4/18/18. One of its powers, inter alia, is the ability "to receive, impartially investigate, and pass upon complaints alleging unfair practices as defined in ... [the WLAD]." RCW 49.60.120(4).

"If the facts as stated in the complaint do not constitute an unfair practice under ... [WLAD], a finding of no reasonable cause may be made without further investigation." RCW 49.60.240(1)(a). However, "[i]f the facts as stated could constitute an unfair practice under ... [WLAD], a full investigation and ascertainment of the facts shall be conducted." Id. And "[i]f the finding is made that there is reasonable cause for believing that an unfair practice has been or is being committed, the commission's staff shall immediately endeavor to eliminate the unfair practice by conference, conciliation, and persuasion." RCW 49.60.240(3).

WHO MAY FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE WSHRC

According to the WLAD, the following may file a complaint with the WSHRC:

(1) Who may file a complaint:

(a) Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged unfair practice may, personally or by his or her attorney, make, sign, and file with the commission a complaint in writing under oath or by declaration. The complaint shall state the name of the person alleged to have committed the unfair practice and the particulars thereof, and contain such other information as may be required by the commission.

(b) Whenever it has reason to believe that any person has been engaged or is engaging in an unfair practice, the commission may issue a complaint.

(c) Any employer or principal whose employees, or agents, or any of them, refuse or threaten to refuse to comply with the provisions of this chapter may file with the commission a written complaint under oath or by declaration asking for assistance by conciliation or other remedial action.

RCW 49.60.230 (emphasis and hyperlinks added).

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

Significant Differences Between Title VII & WLAD Backpay Provisions

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), are there significant differences between their respective backpay provisions? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

THE DAMAGES PROVISIONS

The relevant damages provision of Title VII states as follows:

(2) Exclusions from compensatory damages
Compensatory damages awarded under this section shall not include backpay, interest on backpay, or any other type of relief authorized under section 706(g) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000e–5(g)]

42 U.S.C. § 1981a(b)(2) (hyperlink added). And the relevant damages provision of WLAD states as follows:

(2) Any person deeming himself or herself injured by any act in violation of this chapter shall have a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin further violations, or to recover the actual damages sustained by the person, or both, together with the cost of suit including reasonable attorneys' fees or any other appropriate remedy authorized by this chapter or the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964....

RCW 49.60.030(2) (emphasis added) (hyperlinks added). Title VII and WLAD differ significantly in terms of plain language, operative-term usage, and scope.


DIFFERENCE IN PLAIN LANGUAGE

The plain language of Title VII and WLAD show that each law treats backpay differently than the other. The court in Martini explained the difference, as follows:

The remedies section of Washington's law against discrimination is therefore radically different from the remedies section of Title VII. Title VII specifically mentions back pay but excludes such an award from compensatory damages, leaving back pay as primarily an equitable device. But in contrast Washington's law against discrimination provides for a general award of "actual" (or compensatory) damages, with no limitation, qualification, or indication that back pay should be excluded.

Martini v. The Boeing Company, 137 Wn.2d 357, 374-75 (Wash. 1999). Accordingly, WLAD provides a much broader mandate for an award of backpay than Title VII. Both laws can be further distinguished based on their operative terms.

DIFFERENCE IN OPERATIVE-TERM USAGE

Title VII and WLAD each use different operative terms in relation to an award of backpay for breaches of their respective provisions. The court in Martini also addressed this issue, as follows:

The use of the word "may" in the remedies provision of Title VII makes it clear that an award of back pay for a breach of Title VII is not mandated by the statute. 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-5(g)(1) (stating that when the statute has been violated, the court "may" order affirmative action which "may" include reinstatement with or without back pay). In contrast, Washington's law against discrimination is more categorical, mandating that a victim of a violation of the statute "shall have a civil action ... to recover the actual damages." RCW 49.60.030(2) (emphasis added).

Martini v. The Boeing Company, 137 Wn.2d at 375 (hyperlinks added). Thus, "[t]he legislative command to award damages is ... stronger in Washington's statute than in title VII." Id., 137 Wn.2d at 375.

DIFFERENCE IN SCOPE

Lastly, the scope of WLAD is broader than Title VII based on both covered protected classes and the mandated policy for interpreting their respective provisions. Particularly, unlike WLAD, Title VII neither covers discrimination based on marital status, age, or disability; nor contains a direction for liberal interpretation. Id., 137 Wn.2d at 372-73.

CONCLUSION & IMPLICATIONS

Title VII and WLAD have significantly different remedies provisions -- espectially in relation to backpay. Under Title VII, backpay is treated as an equitable remedy, whereas under WLAD it is treated as actual or compensatory damages. Ultimately, "[t]he legislative command to award damages is ... stronger in Washington's statute ...." Id., 137 Wn.2d at 375.

Arguably, the differences in available relief might produce an effective argument against an assertion of the Priority of Action Rule.

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

Overcoming Stare Decisis In WA State

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under Washington State laws, how may a party overcome the doctrine of stare decisis? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

STARE DECISIS

The doctrine of stare decisis "promotes the evenhanded, predictable, and consistent development of legal principles, fosters reliance on judicial decisions, and contributes to the actual and perceived integrity of the judicial process." State v. Johnson, 188 Wn.2d 742, 756, 399 P.3d 507 (2017) (internal citations and quotation marks omitted). It is a "doctrine developed by courts to accomplish the requisite element of stability in court-made law, but is not an absolute impediment to change." State v. Otton, 185 Wn.2d 673, 678, 374 P.3d 1108 (2016) (citing In re Rights to Waters of Stranger Creek, 77 Wn.2d 649, 653, 466 P.2d 508 (1970)) (internal quotation marks omitted).

The court will typically consider a party's request for it to reject its prior decision when it's based upon either one or both of the following two approaches: (1) clear showing; and (2) intervening authority. See State v. Otton, 185 Wn.2d at 678 (internal citations and quotation marks omitted).

1. THE CLEAR SHOWING APPROACH

The clear-showing approach is far more common than the intervening-authority approach, and it requires the requesting party to clearly show the following: 

1. that the established rule is incorrect; and

2. that the established rule is harmful.

See id. (internal citations and quotation marks omitted) (emphasis added).

2. THE INTERVENING AUTHORITY APPROACH

The intervening-authority approach is relatively rare. The requesting party essentially asks the court to "eschew prior precedent in deference to intervening authority where the legal underpinnings of ... [the court's] precedent have changed or disappeared altogether." See id. (citing W.G. Clark Constr. Co. v. P. Nw. Reg'l Council of Carpenters, 180 Wn.2d 54, 66, 322 P.3d 1207 (2014) (internal citations and quotation marks omitted).


FRAMING THE ISSUE

When a party asks the Washington State Supreme Court to reject its prior decision, "it is an invitation ... [it] ... [does] not take lightly." Id. (citing State v. Barber, 170 Wn.2d 854, 863, 248 P.3d 494 (2011)) (internal quotation marks omitted). According to the court, the issue is framed as follows:

The question is not whether we would make the same decision if the issue presented were a matter of first impression. Instead, the question is whether the prior decision is so problematic that it must be rejected, despite the many benefits of adhering to precedent--" 'promot[ing] the evenhanded, predictable, and consistent development of legal principles, foster[ing] reliance on judicial decisions, and contribut[ing] to the actual and perceived integrity of the judicial process.'"

State v. Otton, 185 Wn.2d at 678 (citing Keene v. Edie, 131 Wn.2d 822, 831, 935 P.2d 588 (1997)) (internal citation omitted) (alteration to original).

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

Actual & Compensatory Damages Are Synonymous Under WLAD

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), are actual damages synonymous with compensatory damages? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

WASHINGTON LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

Under WLAD, it is an unfair practice, with very few exceptions, for an employer to refuse to hire any person, to discharge or bar any person from employment, or to discriminate against any person in compensation or in other terms and conditions of employment because of age (40+); sex (including pregnancy); marital status; sexual orientation (including gender identity); race; color; creed; national origin; honorably discharged veteran or military status; HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C status; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and state employee or health care whistleblower status. It is also an unfair practice for an employer to retaliate against an employee because the employee complained about job discrimination or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

WLAD REMEDIES FOR UNFAIR PRACTICES

WLAD expressly provides for remedies for unfair practices as follows:

Any person deeming himself or herself injured by any act in violation of this chapter shall have a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin further violations, or to recover the actual damages sustained by the person, or both, together with the cost of suit including reasonable attorneys' fees or any other appropriate remedy authorized by this chapter or the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964....

Martini v. The Boeing Company, 137 Wn.2d 357, 366-67 (Wash. 1999) (citing RCW 49.60.030(2)) (emphasis and hyperlinks added).

ACTUAL DAMAGES ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH COMPENSATORY DAMAGES

Under WLAD, "'actual damages' are synonymous with compensatory damages." Id. (citing Black's Law Dictionary 35 (6th ed.1990) (hyperlinks added). "As the dictionary definition notes, Washington courts have interpreted the term 'actual damages' in this manner." Id. at 367-68 (internal citations omitted) (hyperlinks added).

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

WLAD & The Constructive Discharge Provision

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), is there a provision for constructive discharge? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

WASHINGTON LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

Under WLAD, it is an unfair practice, with very few exceptions, for an employer to refuse to hire any person, to discharge or bar any person from employment, or to discriminate against any person in compensation or in other terms and conditions of employment because of age (40+); sex (including pregnancy); marital status; sexual orientation (including gender identity); race; color; creed; national origin; honorably discharged veteran or military status; HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C status; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and state employee or health care whistleblower status. It is also an unfair practice for an employer to retaliate against an employee because the employee complained about job discrimination or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

DEFINITION OF CONSTRUCTIVE DISCHARGE

Generally, a constructive discharge occurs "where an employer forces an employee to quit by making that employee's work conditions intolerable." Martini v. The Boeing Company, 137 Wn.2d 357 (Wash. 1999) at fn. 3 (citing Barrett v. Weyerhaeuser Co. Severance Pay Plan, 40 Wash.App. 630, 631, 700 P.2d 338 (1985)). "The doctrine of constructive discharge has been described by this court as requiring 'a deliberate act of the employer creating the intolerable condition, without regard to the employer's mental state as to the resulting consequence." Martini, 137 Wn.2d at 366 (citing Bulaich, v. AT & T Info. Sys., 113 Wash.2d 254, 261, 778 P.2d 1031 (1989)) (hyperlink added).

THE CONSTRUCTIVE DISCHARGE PROVISION

RCW 49.60.180(2) is a subsection of WLAD that deals with discharge of an employee. It "has been interpreted to include a prohibition against constructive discharge." Martini, 137 Wn.2d at 366 (citing Bulaich v. AT & T Info. Sys., 113 Wash.2d 254, 259, 778 P.2d 1031 (1989)) (hyperlink added).

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

IIED, Vicarious Liability, & Proscribing Bad Behavior

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under Washington State laws, may an employer avoid liability for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) by demonstrating preexisting rules proscribing their employees' bad behavior? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS (IIED)

IIED is tort in Washington State. A tort is a civil wrong, other than breach of contract, for which remedies may be obtained. To succeed on a claim of IIED, a plaintiff must prove the following three elements:

1. extreme and outrageous conduct;
2. intentional or reckless infliction of emotional distress; and
3. severe emotional distress on the part of the plaintiff.

See Robel v. Roundup Corporation, 148 Wn.2d 35 (Wash. 2002).

VICARIOUS LIABILITY

If a plaintiff brings an IIED claim against an employer on account of the actions of its employee, then once the "underlying tort is established, the employer will be held vicariously liable if the employee was acting within the scope of employment." Id. at 53 (citing Dickinson v. Edwards, 105 Wn.2d 457, 469, 716 P.2d 814 (1986) (hyperlink added) (internal quotation marks omitted).

An employer can defeat a vicarious liability claim by demonstrating that its employee's conduct was (1) intentional or criminal and (2) outside the scope of employment. See id. (internal citations and quotation marks omitted). However, intentional or criminal conduct is not "per se outside the scope of employment." See id. (internal citations omitted).

PROSCRIBING BAD BEHAVIOR

An employer cannot shield itself from vicarious liability by simply effectuating "a general policy proscribing bad behavior that would otherwise be actionable." Id. Thus, in Washington State, an employer may not avoid liability for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress by simply demonstrating preexisting rules proscribing their employees' bad behavior.

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

The Intersection of WSHRC and EEOC

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | How does the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) work with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) to enforce employment discrimination laws? Here's my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

I.  THE EEOC

The EEOC is a federal agency effectuated by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and is "responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to discriminate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit." See EEOC Official Website --> About EEOC, last visited 3/27/18.

The EEOC formally opened its doors in 1965 and maintains its headquarters in Washington D.C.; it also carries out its work through 53 field offices serving every part of the United States.

II.  THE WSHRC

The WSHRC is an agency established in 1949 by the Washington State Legislature. The Agency is responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).  WLAD "prohibits discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, places of public resort, accommodation, or amusement, in real estate transactions, and credit and insurance transactions on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and prohibits retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, and those who file health care and state employee whistleblower complaints." See WSHRC Official Website --> About Us, last visited 3/27/18.

The WSHRC maintains its headquarters in Olympia, Washington and its district offices in E. Wenatchee, Everett, Spokane, Vancouver, and Spokane. Visit our WSHRC Digest blog to learn more about the WSHRC.

III.  FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AGENCIES

The EEOC coined the term Fair Employment Practices Agencies -- or “FEPA.” FEPAs are state and local (i.e., counties, cities, and towns) governments within the U.S. that have anti-discrimination laws and associated enforcement agencies. See EEOC Official Website --> Employees & Applicants, last visited 3/27/18. Generally, FEPAs enforce laws similar to those enforced by the EEOC, but it is not unusual for some FEPAs to maintain discrimination laws that offer greater protections. Id. Importantly, some FEPAs may have different deadlines for filing a charge of discrimination, different standards to determine standing, and different relief available for discrimination victims. Id.

The EEOC has designated the Washington State Human Rights Commission as a FEPA. See EEOC Official Website --> State and Local Agencies, last visited 3/27/18.

VI.  WORKSHARING AGREEMENTS

The EEOC may enter into worksharing agreements with FEPAs. According to the Official EEOC Website:

When an individual initially files with a FEPA that has a worksharing agreement with the EEOC, and the allegation is covered by a law enforced by the EEOC, the FEPA will dual file the charge with EEOC (meaning EEOC will receive a copy of the charge), but will usually retain the charge for processing. If the charge is initially filed with EEOC and the charge is also covered by state or local law, EEOC dual files the charge with the state or local FEPA (meaning the FEPA will receive a copy of the charge), but ordinarily retains the charge for processing

EEOC Official Website --> fepa, last visited 3/27/18. Typically, worksharing agreements include, but are not limited, some or all of the following terms: (1) Filing of Charges of Discrimination; (2) Division of Initial Charge-Processing Responsibilities; (3) Exchange of Information; (4) Resolution of Charges; (5) Implementation of the Agreement. Id.

The EEOC has entered into a Worksharing Agreement (Agreement) with the WSHRC.

V.  PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Because the WSHRC is a FEPA with a Worksharing Agreement with the EEOC, there are special rules that apply to (1) filing charges and (2) EEOC review of FEPA decisions.

(1) Filing Charges

In Washington State, the following applies to the filing of charges in either the WSHRC or the EEOC:

You can file your charge with either the EEOC or with a Fair Employment Practices Agency [such as the WSHRC].  When an individual initially files with a FEPA that has a worksharing agreement with the EEOC, and the allegation is covered by a law enforced by the EEOC, the FEPA will dual file the charge with EEOC (meaning EEOC will receive a copy of the charge), but will usually retain the charge for processing.  If the charge is initially filed with EEOC and the charge is also covered by state or local law, EEOC dual files the charge with the state or local FEPA (meaning the FEPA will receive a copy of the charge), but ordinarily retains the charge for processing. 

EEOC Official Website --> fepa, last visited 3/27/18. Thus, individuals in Washington State may file a charge of discrimination with either the EEOC, the WSHRC, or any other appropriate FEPA within the state (NOTE: some WA State local governmental entities maintain departments that are also designated by the EEOC as FEPAs).

(2) Reviewing FEPA Decisions

The following typically applies to EEOC review of WSHRC decisions:

[A] Charging Party may request that the EEOC review the determination of the ... [WSHRC]. EEOC does not review decisions by non-contract FEPAs. The EEOC will conduct a review only if the request is submitted in writing within fifteen (15) days of receipt of ... [WSHRCs] determination. If we receive your request for a review after the 15 day time frame, it will be considered untimely and the EEOC may not conduct a review. The request should also include the reason why the Charging Party is requesting the review (e.g. relevant witnesses not contacted, evidence not considered, or presence of new evidence).

See id., last visited 3/27/18. Thus, because the WSHRC is a FEPA with a Worksharing Agreement with the EEOC, the EEOC may review WSHRC decisions if the above procedural requirements are met.

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

WLAD: Definition of Real Estate Transaction

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | What is the definition of “Real Estate Transaction” under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

WASHINGTON LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

WLAD "prohibits discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, places of public resort, accommodation, or amusement, in real estate transactions, and credit and insurance transactions on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and prohibits retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, and those who file health care and state employee whistleblower complaints." See WSHRC Official Website --> About Us, last visited 3/27/18.

DEFINITION OF REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION

Chapter 49.60.040 RCW is the relevant law, and it defines the term “Real Estate Transaction” as follows:

(21) "Real estate transaction" includes the sale, appraisal, brokering, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease of real property, transacting or applying for a real estate loan, or the provision of brokerage services.

RCW 49.60.040(21) (emphasis added).

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

WLAD: Definition of Families With Children Status

by Gregory Williams, Esq. | What is the definition of “Families With Children Status” under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

WASHINGTON LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

WLAD "prohibits discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, places of public resort, accommodation, or amusement, in real estate transactions, and credit and insurance transactions on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and prohibits retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, and those who file health care and state employee whistleblower complaints." See WSHRC Official Website --> About Us, last visited 3/27/18.

DEFINITION OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN STATUS

Chapter 49.60.040 RCW is the relevant law, and it defines the term “Families With Children Status” as follows:

(13) "Families with children status" means one or more individuals who have not attained the age of eighteen years being domiciled with a parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals, or with the designee of such parent or other person having such legal custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. Families with children status also applies to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of eighteen years.

RCW 49.60.040(13) (emphasis added).

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

IIED & Supervisors

by Gregory Williams, Esq. |  Under Washington State law, may an employee enhance an intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) claim against his/her employer, on account of a supervisor's actions, by addressing the positional relationship between the employee and supervisor? Here's my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

THE TORT OF OUTRAGE

Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) is also known as the tort of outrage. A tort is a civil wrong, other than breach of contract, for which remedies may be obtained. To prevail on a claim of outrage, a plaintiff must prove the following three elements:

1. extreme and outrageous conduct
2. intentional or reckless infliction of emotional distress, and
3. severe emotional distress on the part of the plaintiff

See Robel v. Roundup Corporation, 148 Wn.2d 35 (Wash. 2002).

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PARTIES

Employee-plaintiffs occasionally bring outrage claims against their employers as a result of harmful actions by their supervisors. The Washington Supreme Court has recognized that "in an outrage claim the relationship between the parties is a significant factor in determining whether liability should be imposed." Robel v. Roundup Corporation, 148 Wn.2d at 52 (citing Contreras v. Crown Zellerbach Corp., 88 Wn.2d 735, 741, 565 P.2d 1173 (1977)) (internal quotation marks omitted). In Contreras, the "court emphasized that added impetus is given to an outrage claim when one in a position of authority, actual or apparent, over another has allegedly made racial slurs and jokes and comments." Id. (emphasis added) (internal quotation marks omitted). To support this proposition, the Robel court also referenced White v. Monsanto Co., 585 So.2d 1205, 1210 (La.1991) wherein it was determined that "plaintiff's status as an employee may entitle him to a greater degree of protection from insult and outrage by a supervisor with authority over him than if her were a stranger." Robel v. Roundup Corporation, 148 Wn.2d at 52.

EXAMPLE: ROBEL v. ROUNDUP CORPORATION

In Robel v. Roundup Corporation, Robel was a deli worker at a grocery store who sustained a workplace injury and timely filed a workers' compensation claim. Robel, 148 Wn.2d 35 (Wash. 2002). Her employer placed her on light duty. Id. Thereafter, other employees, including her assistant deli manager, made fun of her, laughed, pointed, and gave her dirty looks; this included name calling. Id. Robel eventually secured a two-week work release from her doctor but never returned to work. Id. She eventually filed suit against the employer based, in part, on a claim of outrage. Id.

The trial court found for Robel, but the Court of Appeals reversed the trial court on all claims. Id. The Washington Supreme Court then reversed the Court of Appeals and reinstated the trial court's judgment for Robel on, inter alia, her outrage claim. Id. The Supreme Court found that Robel "was called in her workplace names so vulgar that they have acquired nicknames, such as 'the C word,' for example"; and it concluded that "reasonable minds could differ on whether the conduct was sufficiently extreme to warrant the imposition of liability on the employer." Id.

CONCLUSION

Under Washington State law, I believe that an employee can enhance an intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) claim against his/her employer, on account of a supervisor's actions, by addressing the positional relationship between the employee and supervisor?

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Attorney to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

by Gregory Williams, Esq. |  Under Washington State law, what is required to prevail on a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress? Here's my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).

THE TORT OF OUTRAGE

Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) is also known as the tort of outrage. A tort is a civil wrong, other than breach of contract, for which remedies may be obtained. To prevail on a claim for outrage, a plaintiff must prove the following three elements:

1. extreme and outrageous conduct
2. intentional or reckless infliction of emotional distress, and
3. severe emotional distress on the part of the plaintiff

See Robel v. Roundup Corporation, 148 Wn.2d 35 (Wash. 2002).

EXTREME & OUTRAGEOUS CONDUCT

The three elements are fact questions for the jury, and the first element of the test goes to the jury only after the court determines "if reasonable minds could differ on whether the conduct was sufficiently extreme to result in liability." Id.

To establish the first IIED element, the plaintiff must prove "that the conduct was so outrageous in character, and so extreme in degree, as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency, and to be regarded as atrocious, and utterly intolerable in a civilized community." Id. (citing Dicomes v. State, 113 Wn.2d 612, 630, 782 P.2d 1002 (1989)) (internal quotation marks omitted).

LEARN MORE

If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Attorney to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with either this author or Williams Law Group, PS; please see our DISCLAIMER.

–gw