LAW FIRM BLOG 

Doctors are supposed to be the guardians of our mental and physical health. Therefore, it is all the more troubling when a doctor abuses his position and engages in behavior that cause psychological distress and physical harm to innocent parties. This was the situation that Janet Bianco, a nurse at Flushing Hospital in Queens, New York, found herself in when she was sexually harassed and assaulted by a doctor, in the course of her employment. As reported by the New York Daily News, Ms. Bianco’s repeated complaints to her supervisors and requests for assistance were barely acknowledged and in some cases ignored outright.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/02/23/2009-02-23_flushing_hospital_nurse_gets_15_million_.html

Like scores of other people who have faced discrimination in employment, Ms. Bianco turned to the law firm of Leeds, Morelli & Brown for help in defending her rights. Leeds, Morelli & Brown  continued the firm’s tradition of zealous and dedicated representation. The jury awarded $15 million dollars- the largest sexual harassment award to an individual in New York.

Even though state and federal laws exist that protect employees from sexual harassment, many employees are reluctant to seek legal assistance. These fears may stem from many sources including embarrassment about being a victim, fear of losing a job or even threats of physical violence. The net result is that many incidents of sexual harassment and even sexual assaults go unreported. It is only by coming forward that a victim’s rights can be protected. “This landmark victory will serve as a beacon of hope for victims of harassment who are too frightened or ashamed to come forward, and a warning to employers that the days of the boy’s club mentality in the work place are over,” commented Jeffery K. Brown, a partner at Leeds Morelli and Brown.

“This award is indicative of the extreme and outrageous conduct of the hospital,” states Leeds Morelli & Brown attorney’s, Jeffrey Brown and Len Leeds. “They willfully failed to act in the face of clear sexual harassment.  It is unfortunate that as a result of their failure to act, a woman’s life had to be so traumatically affected.  This verdict should serve as a notice to all other employers that if you see something, you’d better say something, and if you don’t the public will.”

Sexual harassment and sexual assault are never acceptable in any context. There is no excuse for that sort of treatment and the law protects victims who come forward to defend their rights. The attorneys at the Law Firm of Leeds Morelli & Brown are dedicated to securing the best possible results for their clients. Ms. Bianco is the latest in a long line of clients who have found favorable results with the help of Leeds, Morelli & Brown lawyers. For a free consultation at 1-888-556-2529.  Leeds Morelli & Brown’s website is located at http://www.lmblaw.com/.