New York Sexual Harassment Attorney
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964 and state and city law, it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their gender. Though workplaces are more aware of sexual harassment laws today than ever before, sexual harassment does still occur and creates a negative and intimidating work environment for the victimized employee.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” when that behavior affects an individual’s employment status, job performance, or creates a hostile work environment. Claims of sexual harassment can be brought under federal and New York State law. If you are currently being sexually harassed, contact our New York sexual harassment attorney.
Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can range from offensive jokes to demotion for failure to submit to sexual advances. Sexual harassment claims tend to fall into two general categories: quid pro quo (i.e., “This for That”) and hostile work environment claims:
Quid Pro Quo
Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment occurs when pay, promotions, demotions, employment status, work assignments, hiring, etc. are based on rejection of or submission to sexual requests. If you have been a victim of Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment, our aggressive Manhattan litigation attorneys can fight for justice in your situation. Some examples of Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment include:
- A woman is fired after she ends a relationship with her boss
- A man is demoted because he will not submit to his bosses’ sexual advances
- A woman is told she must perform sexual favors in exchange for a raise
- A man’s shift assignment is changed to an unfavorable time because he rejected his bosses’ sexual invitations
Hostile Work Environment
A workplace is deemed a hostile work environment when offensive behavior, verbal, non-verbal and physical communication affect a “reasonable” employee’s job performance and create an intimidating or offensive environment for him or her. Some behaviors which may create a hostile work environment include:
- Displaying pornographic pictures
- Making offensive jokes of a sexual or derogatory nature
- Making degrading comments
- Giving sexually suggestive gifts
- Initiating unwanted physical communication (e.g., touching, kissing, patting)
- Making comments about a person’s sex life
Representative Cases of the Law Offices of G. Oliver Koppell
The Law Offices of G. Oliver Koppell has successfully provided representation in several sexual harassment cases. For example, they represented a highly qualified woman who claimed discriminatory treatment and ultimately wrongful termination by a large investment bank. After extensive discovery which supported her claims of discriminatory treatment and a hostile work environment, G. Oliver Koppell & Associates were able to achieve a substantial settlement for her. In another case, they represented a woman who suffered from a hostile work environment which led to adverse physical and emotional damages. After extensive discovery and mediation, a satisfactory settlement was achieved.
Contact Our Experienced New York Sexual Harassment Lawyers
If you are experiencing sexual harassment at your workplace, connect with the experienced New York litigators at the Law Offices of G. Oliver Koppell & Associates. Our skillful New York sexual harassment attorneys will help you fight for justice in your situation and will seek financial compensation for your suffering. As a former New York Attorney General with over 30 years of trial experience, New York sexual harassment lawyer G. Oliver Koppell is dedicated to ensuring his clients receive the best possible outcome for their situation.
Contact the Law Offices of G. Oliver Koppell & Associates at 212-867-3838 to speak with New York sexual harassment lawyers today!