Sexual Harassment Attorney in Inwood, NY
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Inwood Sexual Harassment Lawyer
You shouldn’t have to choose between your job and your safety. When workplace harassment crosses the line, we help you reclaim control of your professional life.
Our clients walk away with more than just settlements. They get their confidence back, their careers protected, and the knowledge that they stood up to behavior that should never be tolerated. We’ve recovered millions for sexual harassment victims across New York, including an $80 million class action settlement.
The relief our clients feel when they realize they’re not alone in this fight is immediate. You’ll have an experienced advocate who knows exactly how to navigate New York’s employment laws and protect both your legal rights and your reputation.
Experienced Sexual Harassment Attorney Inwood
The Howley Law Firm brings the same level of legal expertise that Fortune 500 companies receive to individuals facing workplace harassment in Inwood and throughout New York. John Howley spent 20 years as a partner at a major corporate law firm, representing companies like Pfizer, Texaco, and Sony in their most important cases, including arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Now we use that experience to level the playing field for employees. We understand how corporate legal teams operate because we used to be on that side. This gives our clients a significant advantage when facing well-funded employers who think they can intimidate victims into silence.
Our firm has earned recognition including the Medal for Excellence in Advocacy and SuperLawyers designation, but what matters most is results for our clients.
Sexual Harassment Case Process Inwood
We start with a confidential consultation where you can share your story without judgment. We’ll explain your rights under New York law and discuss all your options, including whether you have grounds for a sexual harassment claim.
If we take your case, we begin by thoroughly documenting everything that happened and gathering evidence. This includes witness statements, emails, text messages, and any other documentation that supports your claim. We handle all communication with your employer and their legal team.
Nearly half of our sexual harassment cases are resolved confidentially before we ever need to file in court. When employers see we’re prepared to fight and have the experience to win, they often prefer to settle rather than face a public trial. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and ensure you understand each decision.
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NY Sexual Harassment Law Coverage
New York has some of the strongest sexual harassment laws in the country, and they’re particularly favorable for employees in the diverse Inwood community. Unlike federal law, New York’s Human Rights Law doesn’t require harassment to be “severe or pervasive” to be illegal. Even a single incident can be grounds for a claim if it’s unwanted and based on gender.
This is especially important for Inwood’s workforce, where many employees work in private companies and may face harassment from supervisors, coworkers, or even customers. Whether you’re dealing with quid pro quo harassment (where job benefits are tied to sexual favors) or a hostile work environment, New York law protects you.
We handle all types of sexual harassment cases, including sexual misconduct, assault, and retaliation claims. Our representation extends beyond just winning your case – we help protect your career and ensure you can continue working without fear of further harassment.
What constitutes sexual harassment under New York law?
Sexual harassment in New York includes any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects your work environment. This can be verbal comments, physical touching, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or even displaying offensive materials.
Under New York’s Human Rights Law, the conduct doesn’t need to be severe or pervasive like it does under federal law. Even isolated incidents can be illegal if they’re unwanted and based on gender. This includes harassment based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status.
The key is whether the behavior is unwelcome and creates inferior working conditions because of your gender. Courts look at the situation from the perspective of someone in your position with the same protected characteristics.
Can I sue for sexual harassment if I still work there?
Yes, you can absolutely file a sexual harassment lawsuit while still employed. New York law strictly prohibits retaliation against employees who report harassment or file legal claims.
However, this is exactly why you need an experienced attorney. Employers often try to retaliate subtly through negative performance reviews, changed schedules, or creating a more hostile environment. We know how to document and prove retaliation, which can actually strengthen your case.
We also help protect your current employment by handling all legal communications and ensuring your employer understands the serious legal consequences of any retaliatory actions. Many of our clients continue working successfully while their cases are resolved.
How much does it cost to hire a sexual harassment attorney?
Our sexual harassment cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. This allows you to get experienced legal representation without upfront costs.
We understand that many harassment victims are already dealing with financial stress, especially if the harassment has affected their job performance or advancement. Our fee structure ensures that everyone can access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
During your free consultation, we’ll explain exactly how our fee arrangement works and what expenses might be involved. There are never any surprises, and you’ll know exactly what to expect before we begin working on your case.
What damages can I recover in a sexual harassment case?
Sexual harassment victims in New York can recover several types of damages. These include lost wages and benefits, both past and future, if the harassment affected your employment or career advancement.
You can also recover damages for emotional distress, which recognizes the psychological impact harassment has on your life. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the employer and deter future misconduct.
Additional remedies might include reinstatement to your position, promotion you were denied, or changes to workplace policies. We’ve helped clients recover everything from thousands of dollars for individual cases to millions in class action settlements, depending on the severity and scope of the harassment.
How long do I have to file a sexual harassment claim?
Time limits for sexual harassment claims in New York vary depending on which law you’re filing under. For New York State Human Rights Law claims, you generally have three years from the date of the harassment to file a complaint.
However, there are also administrative filing requirements that have shorter deadlines. You may need to file with the New York State Division of Human Rights or the EEOC within 300 days of the harassment for certain claims.
This is why it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing harassment. Waiting too long can limit your legal options, and evidence becomes harder to preserve over time. We can evaluate your specific situation and ensure all deadlines are met.
Will my sexual harassment case become public?
Many sexual harassment cases are resolved confidentially without ever becoming public. Nearly half of our sexual harassment cases settle before we file any court documents, and these settlements typically include confidentiality agreements.
Even when cases are filed in court, there are ways to protect your privacy during litigation. Courts can seal certain documents, and many employers prefer to settle rather than face the negative publicity of a public trial.
We understand that privacy is often a major concern for harassment victims, especially those who want to continue their careers in the same industry. We work hard to resolve cases in a way that protects both your legal rights and your privacy, while still holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions.
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