IHOP Faces Multiple Sexual Harassment Lawsuits in West Virginia

Otherwise known as the International House of Pancakes, IHOP is one of the most popular restaurants in the United States, and it operates franchises across the country. However, it seems as though this organization is not exactly perfect, as at least one franchise in Bridgeport, Harrison County is being sued by several former employees for sexual harassment. The lawsuits allege that not only were the individuals sexually harassed, but they also faced retaliation when they reported the harassment to the management team.

No matter where you work, you always have the right to sue individuals who sexually harass you at the workplace. Team up with a qualified, experienced attorney in West Virginia who specializes in sexual harassment lawsuits, and you can hold these individuals accountable in a court of law. IHOP workers have exactly the same rights as a high-level executive at a corporation, or a doctor working in a hospital. Federal law makes sexual harassment illegal for everyone.

Why is IHOP Being Sued in West Virginia?

On September 3rd of 2021, it was reported that several former employees were suing IHOP for sexual harassment they were forced to endure while working at a Bridgeport location in West Virginia. All of these former employees are female, and some allege that they were retaliated against when they tried to report the harassment.

One individual states that she was subject to harassment and “lewd conduct” from three different assistant managers while she worked at IHOP. The woman also claims that the company failed to conduct proper background checks on new hires, leading to a convicted sex offender being hired as a new assistant manager. The details of this lawsuit are quite disturbing. This individual was allegedly sexually touched on multiple occasions, and one employee “loudly streamed adult videos” while on the job.

Management Did Nothing to Address the Issues

When this individual complained to higher management about her experiences, nothing happened. She then wrote a total of four written statements and made a number of verbal complaints, but the higher echelons of IHOP management still failed to act. Eventually, she was terminated after submitting one of these written complaints, ostensibly in retaliation for her reports. A total of seven women have come forward with similar reports.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’ve been sexually harassed in a West Virginia workplace, know that you are not alone. With the help of a qualified sexual harassment attorney, you can file a lawsuit against your abusers and strive for a positive legal outcome. These legal professionals can help you receive a settlement for your damages, and this settlement can be quite significant in many situations. Not only that, but you can deter individuals from harassing other employees in the future. Note that it is illegal for a company to fire you if you take legal action against them for sexual harassment, so you really have nothing to lose. Book your consultation today.