Discrimination at work is more than just an annoyance. It can disrupt your entire life. In New York, employees who face ongoing workplace harassment often wonder if they can sue their employers for the emotional distress and anxiety it causes.
The good news is that you can, in most cases. However, you need a firm understanding of New York discrimination laws and how they apply to your personal situation. You should also know that our experienced workplace discrimination lawyers can help build your case and protect your rights, so you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Emotional Distress in the Workplace
Emotional distress at work can deeply affect your mental and physical health. You might feel constant worry, even when you’re not at work, and this anxiety can make every day feel like a battle. Depression from discrimination can make simple tasks seem impossible and drain the joy from activities you once loved. The emotional turmoil might lead to physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, headaches, and stomach problems.
Discrimination Laws in New York
In New York, the law protects you from workplace discrimination. Federal laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that people with disabilities are protected and get the help they need. The New York State Human Rights Law adds more protection, covering a wide range of discriminatory practices that affect sex, gender, and sexual identity.
Can You Sue Your Employer for Emotional Distress?
To sue your employer for emotional distress caused by discrimination, you need to prove a few things. First, you need clear evidence that discrimination happened because of your race, gender, age, or disability. You also need to show that this discrimination directly caused your emotional distress by reporting your symptoms of anxiety or depression to your doctor. Additionally, the distress you feel must be significant, not just temporary discomfort. It needs to have affected you over time and impacted your life in measurable ways.
If you believe you meet these criteria, there are a couple of paths you can take. First, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New York State Division of Human Rights. These agencies investigate claims of discrimination and can mediate settlements. If these options don’t bring the resolution you seek, you can file a civil lawsuit against your employer to compensate you for emotional distress and lost wages. Civil suits can also result in punitive damages that ensure the company doesn’t treat future employees the way they treated you.
Seeking Help from Gash & Associates, P.C.
Filing a lawsuit for emotional distress due to workplace discrimination can be complicated. But Gash & Associates, P.C., in White Plains, NY, has a team of dedicated employment law attorneys and a successful history of representing clients facing similar issues.
If workplace discrimination has left you struggling with emotional distress and anxiety, it’s important to seek legal help. For more information or to discuss your specific situation, reach out to Gash & Associates, P.C. at (914) 328-8800. Don’t let workplace discrimination and emotional distress go unanswered—take action today and reclaim your life.