Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New York

employee civil rights

In 2002 I was working for a Fortune 100 company three to four days a week for a woman who was known to be ''a screamer'' and by admission of the staff, I was singled out as her target during the 9 months I worked there. I believe my employee civil rights were violated, as I was highly anxious and emotionally vulnerable during this time. Given that the Supreme Court just upheld employee civil rights this year, is there a statue of limitations? After consulting an ombudsperson for the company, who did nothing, and a psychotherapist in NYC who advised that I stand up for myself, I confronted my boss one day when she was screaming at me and a heated argument ensued resulting in me going to her boss, an officer of the company and reporting her. I was let go later that day by HR, who paid the two months remaining on my contract, but I did not sign a release. An employment attorney said I had no case at the time. However, for the following 18 months I was in a highly anxious state and could not work, resulting in personal bankruptcy. In the ensuing 6 years, I have not been able to work at a large corporation because of anxiety. I learned she was let go for her behavior soon after, but I still feel emotionally and financially damaged.


Asked on 6/28/08, 11:33 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Locksley Wade Law Office of Locksley O. Wade

Re: employee civil rights

The situation that you described appears to be a case of workplace bullying; and as such, you do not have a remedy at law. Perhaps you may have had a claim if she had made a clear threat to your physical safety. Unlawful workplace discrimination covers race, age, disability, national origin, sex (sexual harassment & discrimination against women because they are women) and sexual orientation by local law -not federal. I often advise persons in situations such as yours to avoid public confrontation even if you are "in the right" because an employer will often terminate both individuals.

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Answered on 6/29/08, 7:35 am


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