Sexual Harassment by a Supervisor

Sexual harassment at work by a supervisor is a serious violation of the local, state and federal laws. These laws were instituted to protect workers from abuse at the workplace. Supervisors are in a position of power over their employees. Sexual harassment is considered to be instantly actionable when it is made a condition of employment. In other words, the threshold of proof is lower than it would be if the harassment were coming from a co-worker.

In either case, there are protections in place that provide the victim of harassment with legal recourse. However, the process of obtaining justice can be slightly different, and this depends on a variety of factors. The best way to proceed with any sexual harassment case at the workplace is to contact a qualified and experienced law firm immediately. Leeds Brown Law has experience handling some of the most complex and challenging legal cases involving claims of sexual harassment in New York City.

Laws Protecting Workers’ Rights

There are federal, state and local laws that protect different groups of workers from sexual harassment and other workplace abuses. Our legal team will review your case and make recommendations based on the relevant laws. Factors like the size of your company and the position of the perpetrator can affect the course of action that will be recommended to you. The best way to handle sexual harassment at work by a supervisor is to contact our firm for a free consultation. We can help you to understand the process of building a legal case, and this includes issues related to the process of escalating the claim.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 contains an amendment called Title VII, and this can be used in cases where the employer has 15 employees or more. However, state and city laws protect workers at smaller organizations as well. To file a claim at the federal level, it is necessary to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC. This commission will review the case to determine if there is standing to sue in a federal court. If you are pursuing this course of action, legal assistance can help you to succeed in filing your claim and establishing that you have standing to sue the employer.

Sexual Harassment by a Supervisor

Any form of sexual harassment at the workplace can be personally traumatic, but employees often fear losing a job when a supervisor commits the harassment. The unequal relationship of power between a supervisor and an employee makes it easier to prove that the harassment caused tangible harm. The legal system views sexual harassment in the workplace as either quid pro quo or as the creation of a hostile work environment. Supervisors have the capacity and motivation to influence either of these conditions, so the case is likely to move forward faster when the abuse is committed by a person in a position of authority.

A hostile work environment is created when the supervisor either commits acts of sexual harassment or permits others to do it. This can include verbal comments of a lewd and sexual nature. It can also include unwanted physical contact. The perpetrator who is in a position of power might also make this contact a condition of employment, which is known as quid pro quo sexual harassment. All of these actions are illegal, but you will still need legal assistance to protect your rights.

Protecting Your Rights, Sexual Harassment Law Firm

Our firm is dedicated to protecting your interests. The consultation is a time when you can share your story and get the support you need to endure the process of filing a legal claim in the courts. Abusers often attempt to isolate the victim and make them feel like there is nothing that can be done about the situation. If you are suffering from sexual harassment by a supervisor, contact Leeds Brown Law for a free consultation.

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~Kenneth Broodo, Esq.

Partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP



~Law Professor

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