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Brooklyn Workplace Sexual Assault Lawyer

FREE CASE EVALUATION
New York Sexual Assault Lawyer
OVER
$200+ MILLION

recovered for our employment law cases

No one should have to experience sexual assault in the workplace. A single incident can leave you traumatized, isolated, and fearful of returning to a place you should feel safe and welcomed in.

If your employer fails to prevent or properly respond to a sexual assault, it can be held liable alongside the perpetrator. The trusted Brooklyn sexual assault lawyers at Joseph & Norinsberg can help you get the justice you deserve.

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The New York City Human Rights Law, or NYCHRL, provides some of the nation’s strongest discrimination and harassment protections for workers, allowing you to potentially hold both your employer and individual perpetrators accountable for workplace sexual assault.

You may be eligible to pursue the following legal pathways under state, city, and federal law:

  • Internal reporting: You can bring your claim to a human resources representative, putting your employer on notice that it may be liable if it doesn’t take swift action.
  • Criminal charges: Sexual assault is a serious offense, and reporting it to law enforcement may allow you to pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator.
  • Formal complaint: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, New York State Division of Human Rights, and New York City Commission on Human Rights can investigate your employer’s conduct and may hold them accountable for the sexual assault.
  • Lawsuit: You can file a civil lawsuit against your employer and individual perpetrators under federal law once you receive a “right to sue” letter from the EEOC. However, you can file a civil lawsuit directly in state court under New York law.

When Brooklyn Employers Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault

Employers have a legal responsibility to keep their work environments safe and free of harassment. If they fail to prevent sexual assault or do nothing to address it, they can be held liable for violating workers’ rights.

Examples of scenarios where Brooklyn employers may be liable for workplace sexual assault include:

  • Servers at a bar have complained to management about being repeatedly groped by customers, but their supervisors do nothing to address the problem.
  • A retail worker tells her boss that a coworker makes her feel unsafe, but she is continually placed on the same shifts as him until he sexually assaults her.
  • A manager at a startup threatens to fire and blacklist an employee if he doesn’t agree to perform unwanted sex acts.

Signs You May Have a Workplace Sexual Assault Case in Brooklyn

A responsible employer should take immediate action to help you get justice and prevent another incident from happening in the future. If your employer permits or allows sexual assault to continue, whether intentionally or through negligence, you may have a legal claim against the company.

Some signs that your employer may be liable for workplace sexual assault include:

  • Supervisors or managers are abusing their authority to cover up or engage in harassment and abuse.
  • You are coerced into a sexual relationship with explicit or implicit threats to change your scheduling, pay, or job security.
  • You or your co-workers have made complaints about sexual assault, but they’re either ignored or quickly forgotten.
  • Inappropriate workplace behavior has repeated or escalated despite attempts to report it or say no.

What to Do After Workplace Sexual Assault in Brooklyn

If you’ve experienced workplace sexual assault, taking immediate action can maximize your chances of a successful claim and help prevent any further incidents:

  • Prioritize your safety. Get medical attention and seek help for your mental health.
  • Gather evidence. Take thorough notes, documenting details such as what happened, where it occurred, the dates of key incidents, and who was present. Collect and preserve any documents or written communications that can support your claims.
  • Report the misconduct. Take your evidence to HR to disclose what happened. In severe cases, you may consider going directly to law enforcement and filing a police report.
  • Consider an external report. If your employer isn’t doing enough to fix the problem, you can file a formal complaint with a government agency.
  • Get legal advice. A trusted Brooklyn sexual assault lawyer can help explain your legal options and guide you through each step of the process.

Can I File a Claim if the Assault Happened at a Work Event in Brooklyn?

Workplace sexual misconduct can occur outside of a traditional office or work environment. Thus, if you were assaulted or harassed at a work-related event, your employer may still be liable.

Events that qualify as work-related include company parties, networking events, offsite meetings, employer-sponsored gatherings, and more.

How a Brooklyn Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help

An experienced NYC sexual assault attorney can provide professional guidance at any stage of the process, helping you build a strong claim and giving you the best chance at getting justice.

During your confidential case evaluation, your lawyer will go over the specifics of your situation and explain your legal options. After planning the ideal path for your situation, your attorney will help you gather evidence, assemble a convincing case, and bring it to the proper authorities.

Whether you pursue an internal report, external complaint, or criminal investigation, your lawyer will help you file your claim on time and work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve. They’ll also negotiate a settlement or pursue litigation to secure the compensation you’re entitled to for your experiences.

What Our Satisfied Clients Are Saying

At Joseph & Norinsberg, we’re passionate about fighting for the underdog. Here are real testimonials from employment law clients we’ve helped:

“Attorney Bennitta Joseph is simply an angel in disguise. Most lawyers are in the business to make money. Bennitta is a true fighter for those who have been wronged; she goes the extra mile and demands justice FIRST for her clients. My flux of questions was never left unanswered, and she never wavers during tough moments throughout a case. I pray to never be in this situation again, but in the event that I am, Bennitta will be the (only) Attorney I will work with; proud to be a client of Joseph & Norinsberg.” 

– Heather D.

“Joseph and Norinsberg LLC were amazing and couldn’t be happier with the ending of our case—A+ plus for them. Thank you so much.”

– Stephanie K.

“I worked with Bennita years ago, and she was exceptional. She helped handle a complex issue and was able to get a very favorable outcome. I have referred many people, and will continue to do so. Bennita is direct, sets clear expectations, and is very knowledgeable with all aspects of how to navigate the case as well as the legal system. Highly recommend Joseph & Norinsberg for any employment issues.”

– Michael M.

Take the Next Step After Workplace Sexual Assault in Brooklyn Today

If you’ve been sexually assaulted in the workplace in Brooklyn, you deserve justice for what you’ve gone through. The trusted NYC employment lawyers at Joseph & Norinsberg are ready to fight relentlessly to protect your rights and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Contact us online or call 212-227-5700 today to schedule a free consultation.

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Content Reviewed By:
Jon L. Norinsberg
| Founding Partner
July 9, 2026

Jon Norinsberg is one of New York City’s leading civil rights and trial attorneys, with decades of experience litigating high-stakes constitutional and employment disputes. Jon is known as a fearless, battle-tested trial lawyer who takes on powerful corporations, government entities, and public institutions in cases involving civil rights violations, police misconduct, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful conduct.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"Bennitta is an amazing attorney, if you have a sexual harassment case… She's your go to attorney! Very responsive, answers all your questions in a timely manner, makes sure you're very informed on what you're getting into & what the possible outcomes are."

Nigel Antonio

"Joseph and Norinsberg are excellent attorneys and a credit to the bar. It is a testament to their advocacy and skill, that as a fellow lawyer I consistently refer clients to them for help in all workplace and employment related issues."

Christopher Galiardo

"Thank you very much to the lawyers of this firm, they have treated me very well. I felt like I was their only customer. Always returning my calls and being attentive to everything related to my case. I think this company has done a great job."

Narda Liliana Martinez Rey

Our Workplace Harassment Case Results
$2 MILLION

Sexual harassment and retaliation case involving coercion, workplace retaliation, and loss of compensation at a professional practice.

$1.35 MILLION

Sexual harassment case against a luxury brand in the fashion industry (confidential).

$750,000

Secured compensation for several years of lost wages, and emotional distress, and compensation for the physical assault.

$500,000

Sexual harassment case settled against a large bio-tech company.