Know Your Rights in Smithtown
If you live or work in Smithtown, NY and someone in a position of power at your job crossed the line — whether it was a boss, manager, supervisor, or business owner — you may have a legal claim for sexual harassment. Even if the relationship seemed mutual, the law protects workers from exploitation where power dynamics are involved.
Located right in Smithtown, Lieb at Law represents employees across Suffolk County who were harassed, coerced, or pressured into sexual relationships. You may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, lost income, or retaliation. We know the law. We fight to win.
💼 Get Help NowWas It Really Consensual?
Just because you said "yes" doesn't mean it was truly consensual — or legal. In New York, any unwanted sexual conduct in the workplace may qualify as harassment, especially when there's a power imbalance or fear of retaliation.
✔️ Unwelcome—even if you didn’t say “no”?
Silence doesn't equal agreement. If it felt wrong, it probably was.
✔️ Did they have power over you?
Supervisors and managers can influence promotions, raises, and job security. That changes everything.
✔️ Were you afraid saying “no” would hurt your job?
Feeling pressured to protect your paycheck or position is not consent—it’s coercion.
✔️ Was there a raise or punishment implied?
If benefits or threats were tied to your response, it may be quid pro quo harassment.
What Can You Recover in a Workplace Harassment Claim?
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment—especially involving a power imbalance or coercion—you may be entitled to significant compensation under state and federal law. Here’s what damages may be available:
💼 Economic Damages
These cover the financial toll of harassment or retaliation at work:
- Lost wages (both past and future)
- Back pay after wrongful termination or demotion
- Missed bonuses, raises, or promotions
- Out-of-pocket costs from job loss (e.g. COBRA, job search expenses)
🧠 Emotional Distress
Harassment isn’t just financial—it can affect every part of your life. Courts recognize emotional and psychological harm, including:
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD, or insomnia
- Loss of confidence or professional reputation
- Humiliation or social isolation
- Disruption to your career or personal life
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace — FAQs for NY Employees
I live in Suffolk County but I work in Queens. Can Lieb at Law still represent me?
Yes. Our office is based in Smithtown, NY and we represent clients across all of Long Island and New York City. If your employer is in Queens and the harassment happened at work, we can still help you file a legal claim and pursue compensation.
What if I socialized with my boss outside of work but felt pressured into sex to keep my job?
Socializing outside of work does not mean consent, especially when there's a power imbalance. If you felt compelled to have sex with your manager because you feared losing your job or getting demoted, this may be workplace sexual harassment under New York law. You may be entitled to compensation for emotional harm and economic loss.
My employer withheld my paycheck because I refused to perform sexual acts. What should I do?
Withholding pay in exchange for sexual favors is illegal and can be considered both sexual harassment and wage theft. You may be able to file claims under both federal and New York State labor laws. Contact our Smithtown-based attorneys immediately for help.
Is it still harassment if I didn’t say “no” or report it right away?
Yes. Sexual harassment is about the behavior, not your reaction. Many victims delay reporting due to fear, shame, or economic pressure. That does not invalidate your experience or your right to take legal action now. We offer confidential consultations with no pressure.
Can I sue my boss personally for sexual harassment?
In many cases, yes. If your boss was the harasser, you may be able to bring claims against them individually as well as against the company. Our attorneys can help you evaluate your options under New York State Human Rights Law and federal Title VII protections.
What counts as sexual harassment under New York law?
Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, coercion, inappropriate comments, threats of retaliation, and quid pro quo offers — such as “sleep with me or you’ll lose your job.” If someone used their role at work to pressure or exploit you, it may be harassment even if it wasn’t physical.
I had a consensual relationship with my manager — but then they retaliated when I ended it. Do I have a case?
Yes. Even if the relationship began as consensual, retaliation after ending it can still be unlawful. If you were demoted, isolated, or terminated after breaking things off, you may have a legal claim for retaliation and workplace harassment. We can help you prove what happened.
Do I have to report the harassment to HR first?
While it's helpful to document your experience internally, you are not legally required to report to HR before speaking to an attorney. In some cases, going to HR makes things worse. We’ll help you understand the best legal strategy based on your situation.
Can I get compensation for sexual harassment?
Yes. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, medical bills, attorney’s fees, and more. Every case is unique — but if your rights were violated, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Our Smithtown legal team is ready to fight for you.
Still Not Sure If You Have a Case?
Check any box that applies. You may have a legal claim.
You Are Not Alone
If your workplace relationship became toxic or you were pressured into something you didn’t want - you may have a legal case. We understand how it starts. We know how to end it.
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