Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment

Sexual harassment and hostile work environments remain a major problem in the United States. Harassing conduct can occur in any type of job in any industry. Only someone who has experienced sexual harassment can ever truly appreciate the toll it can take. In fact, many victims develop health problems from the stress. Others ultimately end up quitting their jobs despite having done nothing wrong. Many suffer in silence for fear of being labeled as overly-sensitive or trouble-making. No one should have to go to work each day fearing that they will be subjected to abuse by their coworkers or managers. At Joseph & Kirschenbaum LLP, we firmly believe every worker has the right to a work environment free from abuse and harassment. That is why our attorneys are proud to fight for victims of sexual harassment and to hold employers accountable for permitting or failing to address such conduct.

Sexual harassment is any offensive and unwelcome conduct relating to a person's gender. Sexual assault and unwelcome sexual advances are obvious and severe examples. However, other types of less serious conduct can also be considered sexual harassment. This could include making generally derogatory comments about a gender, displaying sexually offensive material in the office or publicly engaging in lewd or offensive talk. Such conduct does not necessarily need to specifically target you to constitute harassment.

If you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you should consult with an attorney who has experience handling hostile work environment claims. Victims have limited time to take legal action so should act quickly to protect their rights. Keep copies of any correspondence you receive from your employer regarding the harassment and maintain a log of occurrences and any physical evidence you have of the harassment. This material can help substantiate your case. Employers often claim they did not know harassment was a problem in their workplace because it was never brought to their attention. Good documentation on the part of the employee makes it more difficult for employers to get away with this tactic.

Far too many victimized employees bear the burden of on-the-job harassment or a hostile work environment, allowing their health and job performance to suffer. However, if you have been the victim of this type of conduct, you do not have to face it alone. The legal team at Joseph & Kirschenbaum LLP understands the nuances of state and federal sexual harassment law and the damaging anxiety and fear you may experience. We have helped hundreds of individuals in New York and throughout the country put a stop to workplace harassment and gain compensation for the damage they have already suffered. Contact us today at 212-688-5640 or online to set up a complimentary intake evaluation. Se habla espanol.