Sexual harassment is defined under New York law as unwelcome conduct that is of a sexual nature, which includes both verbal and physical actions. Employers are most frequently involved in the following types of sexual harassment acts: demanding sexual favors in exchange for promotions, creating a sexually offensive work environment, and making sexual advances.

How does New York Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, employers in Erie County are often required to implement company policies regarding sexual conduct, which must be posted and visible to employees. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the procedure for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.

There are also agencies which are created by federal and New York law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Erie County are true. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to fire an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.

How can a New York attorney help?

A claim for sexual harassment may be difficult to investigate and establish without the proper expertise in the relevant areas of law. It's not uncommon for federal investigators to be too busy to handle individual claims. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Erie County can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that New York has defined.