Sexual Harassment in the Advertising Industry

Protecting Clients Against Sexual Harassment in the Advertising Industry

The advertising industry in New York City is no stranger to sexual and gender harassment. Advertising firms of all sizes are still dominated by mostly men in leadership positions, which exposes women to disproportionate harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The proactive gender discrimination attorneys at Leeds Brown Law, P.C. represent clients throughout New York City who have been the victim of sexual discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Our capable legal team helps clients file gender discrimination and harassment claims with the EEOC, pursue settlements and take cases all the way through trial.

Local, State and Federal Prohibitions Against Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

All forms of gender harassment and discrimination in the workplace are prohibited by local, state and federal laws. The major federal law addressing these violations in the workplace is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

It is a common misconception that a victim must be harassed or discriminated against by a member of the opposite sex to constitute a violation. Both women and men can be victims of gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. Keep in mind that in order for harassing behavior to rise to the level of actionable harassment, there typically must be a pattern or practice of it in the workplace. This creates what is known as a hostile work environment for the targeted employee. Gender discrimination that results in a demotion or termination is immediately actionable.

In addition, a victim does not have to be harassed or discriminated against by a superior to have a valid claim for sexual harassment in the workplace. A peer, co-worker, client of the employer, supervisor or manager can create a hostile work environment for the victim. This is especially true if the victim has to endure the harassing behaviors over an extended period of time.

Recovering on a Claim for Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

You may be awarded different types of damages from your employer if you prevail on a claim for sexual harassment in the workplace. This could include back pay and lost wages, especially if you were wrongfully terminated based on your gender or in retaliation for filing a harassment claim. You may also be reinstated in your former position at the same company as part of winning your sexual discrimination or harassment claim. The amount of damages that you may collect for back pay or lost wages will be based on your salary, time at the company and the amount of time that you missed out on pay because of the discrimination.

Another aspect of a sexual harassment claim is the emotional distress that many victims experience as a result of the harassment over time. Many victims also endure reputational damage in the industry from prolonged harassment or discrimination. Successful claimants might be awarded damages for their emotional pain and suffering in these cases.

One of the harshest forms of damages that sexual harassment claims may entail is punitive damages against the employer. This is typically reserved for cases where the employer was aware of a pattern and practice of discrimination or harassment against female employees and failed to take steps to correct the situation. The courts sometimes impose these damages as a punishment for businesses involved in serious cases of gender discrimination and harassment. Punitive damages can total much more than the other forms of damages awarded in sexual harassment cases.

Filing a Sexual Harassment in the Advertising Industry

If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace at an advertising firm, contact the helpful attorneys at Leeds Brown Law, P.C. today. Call us at 866-728-5015 for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. We proudly represent victims of discrimination and harassment in the workplace to ensure that their rights are protected.