Have You Suffered Sexual Harassment?

Understanding Sexual Harassment and Your Rights

Victims of sexual harassment should never feel that they have to tolerate such behavior. They have the right to take legal action against employers and other responsible parties and are entitled to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Understanding whether you have a case is the first crucial step. Various forms of sexual harassment can be recognized by the law, which means your circumstances might qualify for legal action.

There are two primary types of sexual harassment recognized by law:

• Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment: This occurs when a person in authority, such as a manager or supervisor, demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits like promotions, raises or continued employment. If you faced threats of termination, demotion or other adverse actions for not complying with such demands, you may have a strong case.

• Hostile Work Environment: This type of harassment involves unwelcome sexual behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, such as vulgar language, crude jokes, or displaying suggestive or explicit photos. If this behavior significantly affects your work conditions, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment can be present in many different environments in several aspects, including:

• Verbal Harassment: This involves unwelcomed comments about your body or appearance, innuendos, lewd remarks, inappropriate jokes, or inappropriate inquiries into your personal life.
• Unwanted Sexual Advances: Persistent requests for dates or sexual activities despite clear indications that such advances are unwelcome.
• Non-Verbal Harassment: This involves leering or making obscene gestures.
• Physical Harassment: This involves unwanted touching, groping, hugging or kissing.
• Cyber Harassment: Sexual harassment can also occur through emails, text messages, social media and other forms of digital communication.
• Display of Offensive Materials: Posting or sharing pornographic images, videos, or other sexually explicit content in a workplace or school setting.

Our New York sexual harassment lawyers are here to discuss your situation with you in detail and determine the best course of action for your claim.

The Impact of Sexual Harassment

The consequences of sexual harassment extend far beyond the immediate incidents of misconduct. Victims often experience profound emotional distress, including anxiety, depression and a loss of self-esteem. The impact on their professional lives can be significant, leading to reduced job performance, absenteeism and even the loss of employment.

Physical symptoms can also manifest, such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and other stress-related conditions. The pervasive effects of harassment can impair a victim’s overall quality of life, making it essential to address these issues promptly and effectively.

What compensation Can I Recover for Sexual Harassment?

The goal of a sexual harassment lawsuit is to not only hold the perpetrators accountable, but to obtain compensation for the damages suffered by the victim. This compensation may include:

• Lost Wages and Benefits: If the harassment has affected your employment status, leading to termination, demotion or lost promotional opportunities, you may be entitled to recover both past and future lost wages. This can also include the value of any lost bonuses or benefits, such as healthcare or retirement contributions.
• Reinstatement to Your Previous Position or Promotion: Sometimes victims are fired or denied a rightful promotion because they did not go along with harassment. A lawsuit may allow you to get your job back or get the promotion you were wrongly denied.

• Pain and Suffering: You can include the emotional pain and suffering you have experienced because of the harassment. This often includes things like mental anguish, anxiety and depression.

• Medical Expenses: Any medical costs incurred as a result of the harassment, including the cost of therapy or counseling services, can be covered. This compensation helps ensure victims receive the care they need.

• Punitive Damages: In malicious or egregious cases, courts can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and discourage future misconduct. For example, this might happen if there was conscious disregard for your rights.

• Legal Fees: The financial burden of legal proceedings should not fall on you, the victim. If your lawyer wins your case, your employer can be made to cover your lawyer’s legal fees, including the costs of going to court and hiring expert witnesses.

How Long Do I Have to File a lawsuit for Sexual harassment in New York?

Under federal law, you generally have 180 days or 300 days from the date of the last incident to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). However, under the New York State Human Rights Law, you have three years to file.

Regardless, it is usually best to act promptly to preserve your rights. Our New York sexual harassment lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of filing deadlines and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed on time.

How Can Hiring a Sexual Harassment Lawyer Benefit My Case?

Hiring our experienced sexual harassment lawyers offers numerous advantages, including:

• Professional Legal Guidance: Navigating the legal system can be daunting. Our experienced lawyers provide professional advice and guidance throughout the process.
• Strong Advocacy: We are committed to fighting vigorously on your behalf in negotiations and court, if necessary.
• Emotional Support: Dealing with the aftermath of harassment can be overwhelming. Our compassionate team offers the support you need during this challenging time.
• Maximum Compensation: With our extensive experience, we aim to secure the highest possible compensation for our clients.

Contact Our New York Sexual Harassment Lawyers Today

If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, you do not have to stay silent or face this challenging time alone. At The Bongiorno Law Firm, we understand the courage it takes to come forward.

We are dedicated to standing by your side every step of the way. We are here to support you and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Call The Bongiorno Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you achieve justice and restore your peace of mind.