McHugh Law, PLLC

05/14/2026

"By the book" doesn't always mean "On your side."

In massive PNW healthcare systems, the HR portal and the "Values" training make it look like the safest place to work. But structure doesn't always equal protection.

We hear it too often: a nurse or provider reports an incident, follows the protocol, and suddenly feels like the system is working against them.

Our latest blog explores:
• Sexual harassment in healthcare settings
• Retaliation and “paper trail” discipline
• Racial discrimination and hostile work environments
• Patient-to-staff harassment
• Disability and pregnancy accommodation issues
• The warning signs hospitals may be trying to force you out

If you’re experiencing workplace harassment or retaliation in a healthcare setting, documentation matters and knowing your rights matters even more.

Click below to read more! 👇

https://colinmchughlaw.com/workplace-harassment-in-large-pnw-healthcare-systems/

05/09/2026

We often hear from clients in small medical practices who feel like they’re "losing their grip" on reality. You’re told the clinic is a "family," yet you feel pressured to ignore inappropriate comments. You’re told to be a "team player," but that "teamwork" seems to require staying silent about boundaries being crossed.
Or if you’ve been told you’re "too sensitive" after a "joke" made you uncomfortable — we hear you, and we believe you.

The "small office bubble" can make you feel like you have no one to turn to, especially when the person causing the problem is the owner or a top provider. But please know that your boundaries matter and harassment is never just "clinic culture." Whether it is disguised as branding advice or professional feedback, the law is on your side. In Washington, the Silenced No More Act ensures you cannot be forced into silence, even by an NDA. Lastly you are not alone, and there is a path forward that protects both your career and your peace of mind.

Read our latest blog to learn how to transition from informal complaints to a protected legal standing.

https://colinmchughlaw.com/workplace-harassment-small-medical-clinics-vancouver-wa/

05/02/2026

Assault, battery, and voyeurism in the workplace don't happen by accident. They happen because someone in power decides to exploit a vulnerable person. At McHugh Law, we’ve spent over a decade dragging these behaviors out of the darkness and into the light. From Vancouver to Portland, we’ve held employers accountable, regardless of their size, for the trauma they allowed to happen under their roof.

We put together some practical advice on what to do if this is happening to you. Most harassers rely on the fact that these incidents happen behind closed doors. They expect you to stay quiet because you think you can’t prove it. Our latest blog post breaks down how to document misconduct as it happens so that you aren't left with a "he-said-she-said" situation in court.

https://colinmchughlaw.com/sexual-misconduct-in-the-workplace-washington-oregon/

03/26/2026

We are in the news!

Employment law attorney Colin F. McHugh is representing a former employee of the Battle Ground Les Schwab in a lawsuit alleging a hostile work environment and sexual harassment. The lawsuit, filed in Clark County Superior Court, claims the plaintiff was subjected to persistent and unwelcome sexual harassment by a co-worker.

The complaint asserts that despite the employee’s reports of the misconduct, the company failed to take effective action to stop the harassment, allowing the hostile environment to persist. At McHugh Law, we believe every worker deserves a workplace free from harassment and employers have a legal and moral obligation to protect their staff from such conduct. By bringing this suit, Mr. McHugh seeks to hold the company accountable and advocate for safer, more respectful workplace standards for all service industry employees.

McHugh Law is proud to be featured in The Columbian for our commitment to protecting employee rights.

A former employee is suing the Battle Ground Les Schwab, alleging he was sexually harassed by a co-worker, which created a hostile work environment.