A NYPD officer recently won a sexual harassment lawsuit against a lieutenant in Brooklyn. The female officer was awarded $325,000 by a jury for repeated incidents of sexual harassment at the Transit Bureau headquarters in Downtown Brooklyn that occurred between 2005 and 2011.
Officer Subjected to Verbal and Physical Harassment
According to the suit, the female officer was subjected to numerous types of offensive behavior during her six-year tenure at the Transit Bureau. Her lieutenant forced her to look at pornographic images on his computer and made lewd comments about her undergarments, saying she needed to wear something sexy instead of “granny panties.” He also displayed his underwear.
The suit also alleges that the lieutenant physically assaulted the female officer on multiple occasions. He repeatedly tried to force himself on her, groped her breasts, and shoved his tongue into her mouth. She described one occasion in which she tried to force him away from her and he continued to put his hands on her chest.
Both the city and lieutenant deny the allegations made in the suit, but the jury sided with the female officer. She was awarded $300,000 in compensatory damages and $25,000 in punitive damages. A spokesperson for the city stated that they are now evaluating its options.
Everyone has the right to a harassment-free workplace, and employees are protected against workplace sexual harassment by federal and state laws. There are many types of abusive or offensive behaviors that constitute sexual harassment, and no employee should have to endure them. If you believe you are the victim of workplace sexual harassment, it is important to understand your rights. An experienced New York harassment lawyer can help you review your legal options and take action.
New York Employment Lawyers at the Law Offices of Sidney L. Gold Fight for Justice for Sexual Harassment Victims
New York sexual harassment lawyer, Sidney L. Gold, and his legal team have successfully represented clients in all types of workplace sexual harassment cases. We will prepare an aggressive legal strategy to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Gold is barred in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York and serves clients in the surrounding areas. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation with a qualified harassment lawyer.
