Scarsdale Employment Lawyers
We Handle Sexual Harassment Claims in Scarsdale and Throughout Westchester County
At Carey & Associates, P.C., our Scarsdale sexual harassment attorneys are skilled, compassionate, and experienced advocate for victim. No employee should be forced to endure sexual harassment in the workplace. It is a form of sex-based discrimination and it is legally actionable. Employers in Westchester County should provide an environment that is free from sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment by managers, co-workers, and customers/clients.
If you or your loved one was the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, we are here to help. Contact our Scarsdale sexual harassment attorneys today for a fully confidential, no obligation consultation.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is unlawful behavior in the workplace that involves unwanted sexual advances, comments, or conduct. In New York, there are two main types:
- Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment: Quid pro quo occurs when employment benefits are conditioned on submitting to sexual conduct, such as a supervisor offering a raise in exchange for a date.
- Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment: A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome sexual behavior (verbal or physical) creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive atmosphere.
Sexual Harassment is a Form of Sex-Based Discrimination
Sexual harassment is a form of sex-based discrimination by definition. There are both federal and state laws that protect workers in Scarsdale against sex-based discrimination in the workplace:
- Federal Law: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
- State Law: New York State Human Rights Law
Title VII covers employers with 15 or more employees. In contrast, New York law applies to all employers in the state, even those with just a single worker on staff.
Common Examples of Workplace Sexual Harassment
While there are two forms of sexual harassment (quid pro quo and hostile work environment), the offense can take a wide range of different forms. Here are some of the most common examples of sexual harassment in the workplace in Scarsdale:
- Unwanted Sexual Comments or Jokes: A coworker repeatedly makes sexually suggestive jokes or comments, even after being asked to stop. The behavior can create a hostile work environment, especially when it makes others feel uncomfortable or disrespected. Verbal harassment does not have to be directed at a specific person to be unlawful in New York.
- Inappropriate Touching/Physical Contact: An employee experiences repeated, unwanted physical contact. It could include things like shoulder rubs, hugs, or brushing up against them. Even seemingly minor contact can be considered harassment if it is unwelcome and persistent. Physical harassment can escalate quickly and must be taken seriously.
- Sexual Advances Tied to Work Benefits: A supervisor implies that a promotion or raise will only happen if the employee agrees to go on a date or engage in a sexual act. That is a classic example of quid pro quo harassment. The reason being that job benefits are conditioned on submission to sexual conduct.
You Have the Right to Report Sexual Harassment to Your Employer in Scarsdale
You have the right to report sexual harassment in Scarsdale without fear of retaliation. Under New York law and federal law, your employer must provide a safe workplace and take immediate action when you report unwelcome sexual behavior. Further, your employer is legally required to investigate your complaint and correct any misconduct. An employer cannot take any adverse action against employee she because he or she reported and/or complained about sexual harassment. Doing so is unlawful retaliation and it can give rise to an independent legal claim.
How Our Scarsdale Employment Attorneys Can Help
Sexual harassment in the workplace is not acceptable. No worker should be forced to live through those types of intolerable conditions. Our founder and managing attorney Mark Carey has built a team of attorneys who fight for justice and the best possible resolution for employees. Our client testimonials explain what we can do in challenging cases, including sexual harassment claims. We are proactive. Among other things, our Scarsdale sexual harassment attorneys are ready to:
- Hear your story and answer your legal questions during a confidential case review;
- Investigate your workplace sexual harassment case, gathering supporting evidence;
- Represent you in any settlement negotiations with your employer; and
- Develop a strategy focused on helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Scarsdale, NY Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
At Carey & Associates, P.C., our Scarsdale sexual harassment attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and experience you can rely on. Have questions about a workplace sexual harassment case? We can help. Call us at (203) 814-1344 or contact us online to set up your fully confidential initial appointment. We handle workplace sexual harassment cases in Scarsdale, Westchester County, and beyond.
Practice Areas
- Employment Counseling
- Pregnancy Discrimination
- Disability Discrimination
- Age Discrimination
- Severance Negotiations
- Sexual Harassment
- Executive Compensation
- Racial Discrimination
- Wage and Overtime
- Sexual Orientation
- Whistleblower Protection
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Pension Disability
- Employment Defamation
- Religious Discrimination
- Noncompetition Agreements
- Wrongful Termination
- Retaliation Discrimination
Client Testimonials
Mark and his team at Carey & Associates are incredibly knowledgeable about Employment Law and have walked me through every step of the way. Their approach and guidance has been extremely effective in dealing with my case. They instill a sense of confidence by laying out the facts, caselaw, and risk assessment to help make well informed decisions. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an Employment Attorney.
J.K.
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