Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Rochester, NY

Experienced Rochester Sexual Harassment Attorney Helping Victims of Sexual Harassment Take Action

Sexual harassment is illegal in the state of New York and the rest of the country. Sadly, being illegal is not enough to stop the problem. Each year, countless New Yorkers report sexual harassment, and others suffer in silence.

Many people refuse to report sexual harassment because of fear or embarrassment, but The Cimino Law Firm will help you navigate your emotions while holding your harasser accountable. Contact us for a confidential phone consultation. Then we can work to stop the harassment and collect damages.

What Types of Sexual Harassment Exist?

Sexual harassment falls into two categories. Our firm has represented victims of both types. If you have been a victim of one or both types of harassment, we are here for you.

Quid Pro Quo

Rochester Sexual Harassment Lawyer Attorneys The Cimino Law Firm - Employee Sexual Harassment AttorneyQuid pro quo is the most common form of sexual harassment. It’s so common that 10.9 percent of New York employees have reported experiencing it at some point in their careers.  Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employee believes he or she must accept the harassment in exchange for something else. This could include:

  • Continuing employment
  • Getting a raise or promotion
  • Not getting demoted

This is often referred to as “this for that” harassment. Employees are often afraid to report quid pro quo harassment out of fear of retribution. Remember that the law is on your side in these cases. You are the victim, and you have the power to hold the perpetrator accountable.

Hostile Work Environment

Sexual harassment can also create a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment can be created due to:

  • Sexually offensive remarks
  • Unwanted sexual advances
  • Unwanted sexual requests
  • Complimentary or derogatory sexually charged comments
  • Sexual gestures
  • Requests for sexual favors or actions

Many people believe they cannot file a claim if they are not asked for something in return. However, a hostile work environment is reason enough to make a claim. A hostile work environment will impede your job performance. Over time, you might even quit. Protect yourself by filing a sexual harassment claim.

Is Sexual Harassment Just a Women’s Issue?

There is a myth that only women are victims of sexual harassment. However, both men and women deal with quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environments. Almost 10 percent of male New Yorkers have been victims of quid pro quo sexual harassment. Sadly, men are less likely to report this crime. Many are embarrassed, or they are afraid they’ll be teased by their colleagues if they report it. Others think they should just go along with it, and it will eventually go away. However, harassers normally do not stop until their employers or the courts force them to do so.

If you are a male victim of sexual harassment, understand that no one deserves to be harassed. You have the power to hold the harasser accountable. The Cimino Law Firm understands the unique emotions in your case, and we will help you through this process. You might feel as if you don’t have power right now, but we will help you get your power back.

What Types of Damages Can You Recover in Sexual Harassment Cases?

If you’ve suffered from sexual harassment, you have likely lost a great deal. You might have left your job, or even if you stayed, you’ve been subjected to emotional distress. Fortunately, the court system realizes that people who suffer from sexual harassment have economic and noneconomic damages. With more than 20 years of experience bringing perpetrators to justice, The Cimino Law Firm can help you recover damages in your case.

Depending on your specific case, you might be entitled to:

  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Future lost wages
  • Attorney fees and legal costs
  • Damages for emotional distress

The court also awards punitive damages in extreme cases of sexual harassment. Contact our firm to find out which damages you can be awarded for your specific case.

What Should Sexual Harassment Victims Do?

If you’re a victim of sexual harassment, there are steps you can take. Begin by collecting any harassing statements or images. This can be used as evidence in the court of law. If the harassment is verbal, write down what the harasser says to you. This can also be used in court.

You should also collect evidence related to the damages you’ve experienced. For instance, if you’ve begun mental health treatments due to sexual harassment, keep your medical statements.

Next, contact an attorney at The Cimino Law Firm. Our attorney will talk to you about the specifics of the case, including your company’s reporting system. The attorney might advise you to report the problem with your employer to see if they fix it, or the attorney might advise making a claim. Each case is different, so a confidential phone consultation is necessary.

What If My Employer Retaliates Against Me After Reporting Sexual Harassment?

Unfortunately, some employers choose to retaliate against the victim instead of punishing the preparator. Countless people have reported their employers have retaliated by firing or demoting them. Others have made the workplace so hostile after the report that they have no way to continue working there.

Rochester Sexual Harassment Lawyer Attorneys The Cimino Law Firm - Employee Sexual Harassment Attorney - Retaliation in the Workplace

Just like sexual harassment, this is illegal. Workplace retaliation is a crime, and you can bring your employer to justice if this happens. Along with handling sexual harassment cases, our firm represents clients in workplace retaliation claims. Don’t let the fear of retaliation prevent you from moving forward. If your employer chooses to retaliate, we will represent you.

Why Choose The Cimino Law Firm?

Choosing a law firm to represent you during a sexual harassment claim is an important decision. You need a compassionate and understanding legal team that also has the experience to fight for your rights in court. The Cimino Law Firm is that firm. Our compassionate legal team will help you deal with the emotions that come up when filing the claim. At the same time, we will use our experience to bring your perpetrator to justice. We have litigated these cases for more than 20 years and have a proven track record of success. We understand how the legal system works and what we need to provide to win these cases.

We also make the process easy for you. We understand that you are just testing the waters right now. You aren’t ready to make an appointment and come into an office. You also aren’t ready to spend money on legal fees. That’s why we offer a confidential phone consultation for our new clients. You will speak to an attorney over the phone. The attorney will take the information and provide you with information about possible outcomes. Then you will understand the next steps and decide if you want to move forward.

If you do, we have two convenient locations. You can come to our Webster or Rochester, New York, offices. Bring your evidence with you during this meeting, so the attorney can review it. Don’t worry if you don’t have much evidence yet. Your attorney will also investigate the case for you. The investigation might include interviewing your coworkers and requesting documents from your employer. Each piece of evidence will help us build a strong case.

Sexual harassment is incredibly painful. It makes you feel powerless and hopeless. We are here to restore what your harasser has taken from you. Contact us for a confidential phone consultation today.

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