New York City Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Sexual Harassment in New York City: Know Your Rights

Sexual harassment takes many forms in NYC workplaces, from subtle pressure to outright demands. The law protects workers against the following behaviors of a sexual nature that create threatening or uncomfortable environments:

• Physical misconduct: Unwanted touching, blocking others from moving, or intimidating invasions of personal space.
• Verbal harassment: Comments about appearance, sexual jokes, or repeated requests for dates.
• Visual harassment: Displaying inappropriate images or making suggestive gestures.
• Digital misconduct: Sending explicit messages and photos or otherwise using technology for harassment.
• Abuse of power: Linking job benefits to sexual favors or threatening retaliation for refusal.

Many victims hesitate to come forward, fearing losing their jobs or damaging their reputations. Fortunately, New York's strong anti-harassment laws protect workers who speak up.

Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment claims generally fall into two main categories: quid pro quo and hostile work environment.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo harassment involves an explicit or implicit offer that is contingent on actions of a sexual nature. A classic example is a boss who promises a promotion to a subordinate if the subordinate agrees to sex. Other examples include:

• Making hiring decisions based on the applicant’s perceived willingness to provide intimate favors.
• Offering better assignments in return for intimate favors.
• Threatening termination after a subordinate rejects a sexual or romantic advance.
• Changing work schedules as punishment for rejecting an advance.
• Using a performance review as leverage to get an employee to accept an advance.

Hostile Work Environment

This common form of harassment is characterized by persistent misconduct that creates an intimidating or offensive atmosphere. Employees might be subjected to:

• Regular sexual comments or jokes
• Open display of explicit materials
• Rumors about colleagues’ sexual activity
• Offensive remarks about gender
• Uncomfortable physical situations

Steps to Take If You're Being Harassed in NYC

If you've been sexually harassed at work, taking the right actions helps protect both your rights and your case:

New York Laws Protecting Against Sexual Harassment

New York has some of the strongest laws in the nation safeguarding workers from sexual harassment. These laws complement federal laws protecting workers, the most significant being the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Key legal provisions include:

• NY State Human Rights Law: Covers harassment based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected characteristics.
• NYC Human Rights Law: Expands on state protections to include small businesses and independent contractors and to allow claims against individual harassers.
• NYC Stop Sexual Harassment Act: Requires businesses that employ at least 15 people to conduct training and notify employees of their rights regarding sexual harassment.

Some protections in New York City apply to all employers, regardless of size, and cover paid and unpaid interns, contractors, and even domestic workers, as well as traditional employees. 

Filing a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit: Your Legal Options

A sexual harassment lawsuit sends a clear message that inappropriate workplace behavior carries consequences. Here's what you need to know.

When You Can Take Legal Action

The following situations may justify legal action:

• Harassment continues despite your complaints.
• Your employer retaliates after you report misconduct.
• Company policies fail to address sexual harassment.
• Management ignores or enables inappropriate behavior.
• Quid pro quo harassment affects your career.
• A hostile work environment impacts your job performance.

Who Can Be Held Legally Responsible for Sexual Harassment in NYC?

In New York City, multiple parties may face liability:

• Direct harassers who engage in inappropriate conduct
• Supervisors who enable or ignore harassment
• Companies that fail to prevent or address misconduct
• HR departments that mishandle complaints
• Coworkers who participate in creating hostile environments

The Sexual Harassment Claim Legal Process

While each sexual harassment case differs, they generally follow these stages:

• Attend a case evaluation with an attorney.
• File administrative complaints with the proper agencies.
• Gather evidence and witness statements.
• Negotiate a potential settlement.
• Proceed to court, if necessary.

Proving Sexual Harassment Claims in NY

Building a strong case requires solid evidence of inappropriate conduct. Different types of proof help establish patterns of harassment:

• Electronic records: Emails, texts, and social media messages showing harassment.
• Witness accounts: Statements from coworkers who observed misconduct.
• Performance reviews: Documentation showing career impact of refusing advances.
• Medical records: Evidence of emotional distress or psychological impact.
• Internal complaints: Copies of harassment reports filed with HR.
• Physical evidence: Photos, videos, or items involved in harassment.
• Employment records: Changes in assignments or benefits after rejecting advances.

Our New York sexual harassment lawyers know what proof is needed to show the full extent of misconduct. We’ll guide you in documenting the harassment, work with experts to demonstrate its impact, and build a comprehensive case for full recovery of your losses.

Outcomes of Sexual Harassment Cases

With a successful sexual harassment lawsuit, you can recover compensation for your losses. The lawsuit could also result in changes to workplace policies. 

In your claim, you’ll seek to be made whole for your financial losses, such as:

• Lost wages and benefits
• Loss of future income
• Expenses incurred during your search for a new job
• Therapy and counseling costs
• Legal fees
• Expenses incurred while training for a career change

The harassment may have taken a toll on not only your finances but also your overall well-being. As a result, you can ask for the following in your claim:

• Financial consideration for your emotional distress
• Financial consideration for the harm to your reputation
• Public acknowledgment of your unfair treatment by the company

One potential outcome of a successful lawsuit is compelling your employer to take certain actions. These may include:

• Reinstating you to your position
• Transferring you to a different department
• Making improvements to sexual harassment policies
• Implementing mandatory training

Sexual harassment can damage your career, mental health, and financial stability. Our dedicated sexual harassment attorneys in NYC recognize the full extent of the challenges you’re facing. We’ll aggressively pursue compensation for all of your losses and work to effect change in your workplace.

How Experienced Sexual Harassment Attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss Will Help Your Case

Our approach focuses on both immediate justice and lasting change:

• Protect privacy: We shield victims from unnecessary exposure during legal proceedings.
• Build support: We connect clients with counseling and career resources.
• Demand action: We push companies to fix toxic workplace cultures.
• Create change: We turn individual cases into policy improvements.
• Guard rights: We block retaliation attempts during proceedings.
• Secure justice: We fight for full compensation and effective change.

Through strategic case development and aggressive advocacy, we help those who stand up against sexual harassment reclaim their careers.