BACKGROUND

An employee earned a raise and promotion for her work at a bank in Long Island, New York. After attending a seminar on sexual harassment, she realized that her supervisor had sexually harassed her during her tenure there. Per The Bank’s policy, she lodged a complaint with the human resources department. However, they did not perform an adequate investigation and, instead, made her the subject of an investigation, as well as targeting her for workplace retaliation. This retaliation included adverse job reassignments, denial of vacation requests, poor performance reviews, and culminated in her being constructively terminated—in effect, The Bank’s conduct towards her forced her resignation. To make matters worse, she was later gaslighted by the alleged harasser who accused her of workplace retaliation. All because she followed The Bank's own anti-discrimination and harassment policy. The employee decided to exercise recourse to legal representation, and contacted Employment Attorney Raymond Nardo. 

THE CASE

Even though the employee had essentially been forced out of her job by her employer, officially, she had left her job of her own volition. The employer used this against her, contesting her right to receive Unemployment Insurance benefits. However, represented by Employment Attorney Raymond Nardo, she prevailed at a hearing and was thereby able to receive the benefits to which she was entitled. 

Attorney Nardo then filed a charge of discrimination at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on her behalf, and, undeterred by the commission’s finding of "no probable cause," he filed a complaint in Federal Court. Documents were exchanged, and numerous depositions were taken, including from the President of The Bank. Eventually, the case went to trial. 

The jury trial lasted several weeks and involved numerous witnesses. Carefully considering the evidence expertly presented by Employment Attorney Raymond Nardo, the jury deliberated for an extended period.

CONCLUSION

After several weeks, a ruling came down in favor of the employee on the basis of the retaliation claim. To reprimand The Bank for its unlawful actions, the jury awarded compensation included back pay and punitive damages. Sweetening the victory, post-trial motions led to a total award surpassing $400,000, inclusive of counsel fees for Employment Attorney Raymond Nardo.

The employee's legal victory highlights the struggles of those faced with workplace harassment and discrimination and the necessity of legal recourse. Employment Attorney Raymond Nardo's successful litigation shows the crucial role experienced legal advocacy plays in safeguarding employees' rights and ensuring accountability in the workplace.

For individuals facing similar challenges or seeking legal advice, consultations with Employment Attorney Raymond Nardo are available.