Civil Rights Violation Lawyer David Perecman Weighs in on Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak’s Resignation Amid Sexual Harassment Claims
New York, New York (PRWEB) January 15, 2014 -- Buffalo-area Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak announced he was retiring from the Legislature following multiple sexual harassment complaints made against him by women who worked in his office, reported The Wall Street Journal (1.12.14). David Perecman, founder of The Perecman Firm, agreed with Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver that Gabryszak was correct in his decision to step down.
“By their nature, complaints of harassment can be extremely disruptive to the workplace,” said Perecman. “They are also very serious.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, seven former and current employees had alleged that Gabryszak, 62, made “unwanted advances” and demonstrated “other abusive behavior.”
The Buffalo News (1.12.14) printed the text of the Assemblyman’s resignation letter in an article simply entitled, “Text of Dennis Gabryszak’s resignation letter.” In his statement, Gabryszak acknowledged engaging in "mutual banter and exchanges.” He admitted that this was "inappropriate in the workplace,” but added that it “[did] not constitute sexual harassment.”
In the letter, the Democrat said he decided to leave the New York State Assembly based on the allegations' impact on his family and the Assembly's work. He also said he would continue to defend himself in court against the allegations, which he called “false.”
“Allegations of sexual harassment will either be found to have merit or not. They require a proper, fact-finding investigation aimed at clarifying and assessing the issues raised by the allegations. To avoid the disruption and cost of a sexual harassment lawsuit, employers need to adopt a proactive and aggressive stance on this issue,” said Perecman, a civil rights violation lawyer in New York for over 30 years.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 permits successful sexual harassment plaintiffs to recover compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and interest under federal law.
“Sexual harassment can happen to anyone at anytime, in any business or industry. No worker, female or male, should have to work in a hostile workplace and be victimized by harassment of any kind,” said Perecman.
The Assembly was hit by a number of sexual harassment scandals that have surfaced over the past few years, said The Wall Street Journal.
The Wall Street Journal article cited is “NY lawmaker accused of harassment retires.”
Individuals who believe they have been victims of a New York civil rights violation, including sexual harassment in the workplace or gender discrimination can contact The Perecman Firm at 212-977-7033.
About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC:
For the past 30 years, the New York personal injury, medical malpractice, construction accident, and civil rights violation lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have handled all types of civil rights violation cases in New York including gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, has been recognized for his achievements as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010. The prestigious U.S. News & World Report ranks The Perecman Firm among the top 20 personal injury firms in New York City for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.
The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict** for a construction accident (Index 112370/03) Supreme Court, New York County, a $5.35 million dollar verdict*** for an automobile accident (Index 2749/04) Supreme Court, Kings County, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice (Index 2146/03)****Supreme Court, Kings County.
The Perecman Firm serves Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, Upstate NY, Morris County, and Rockland County.
**later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
*** later settled for $3.5 million
**** total potential payout
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Sherry Ishak, The Perecman Firm, +1 (305)864-1539, [email protected]
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