New York Allows You to Sue for Compensatory and Punitive Damages for Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a serious issue. It can have a negative impact on your job and your career. The stress can take a serious toll on your health and well-being.
Fortunately, New York has some of the strongest laws against sexual harassment in the country. Employees in New York have three years to file a claim against their employer, an easier burden of proof, and no statutory limit on punitive damages.
You are entitled to recover compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by sexual harassment. The amount of damages will depend on the severity of the harassment and the evidence you have to support your claim of emotional distress.
The highest awards are given when severe emotional distress is corroborated by medical records. This type of evidence can include consultations with a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker. Other evidence supporting emotional distress claims may include prescriptions for blood pressure or anxiety medications.
While emotional distress awards are in the thousands of dollars when based on just your testimony, there are many cases where courts have awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars, and sometimes millions of dollars, for emotional distress claims backed by medical evidence.
You are also entitled to recover any financial losses. Financial losses may include damages for back pay and lost future earnings if you were fired, underpaid, or denied a promotion or raise as a result of sexual harassment. You are also entitled to reimbursement of medical expenses for emotional distress. Plus, you are entitled to 9% annual interest from the dates the losses were incurred.
The best way to build a case for significant damages is to speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after the harassment occurs. By getting your lawyer involved early, you can build a strong case for compensatory and punitive damages. Having a lawyer on your side also helps to protect your legal rights, so you can focus on healing emotionally from the trauma caused by the abuse or mistreatment at work.
Our experienced New York sexual harassment attorneys can help you prove your claims. We begin with a conversation. We will listen to you, help you understand your rights, and develop a plan. If you have a strong case, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not owe us any legal fees unless you win.
Call us today at (212) 601-2728 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
