The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in NYC

If you’ve been sexually harassed at work, you may be unsure how long you have to take legal action. One of the most common—and most important—questions we hear is: How much time do I have to file a claim?

Under New York City law, the answer is clear: you generally have three years from the date of the harassment to file a lawsuit under the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). But depending on your situation, figuring out when that clock starts—and what counts as a qualifying incident—can be more complicated than it seems.

Here’s what you need to know about filing deadlines, and why acting sooner rather than later is always in your best interest.

NYC’s 3-Year Statute of Limitations: Who It Covers

The NYCHRL gives you three years from the date of the harassment to file a complaint in civil court. This applies whether you were:

• A full-time employee
• A part-time or temporary worker
• An intern, volunteer, or job applicant
• An independent contractor or freelancer

New York City is one of the only places in the country that explicitly protects non-employees from workplace harassment, including those in the gig economy or creative industries.

It’s also important to note that employers of any size are covered under the law, even if the company has just one employee.

What Starts the Clock: Understanding “Last Incident” Timing

The three-year deadline usually begins on the date of the last incident of harassment—not necessarily the first.

If the harassment was ongoing, such as repeated inappropriate comments, messages, or behavior over time, the law may consider it a continuing violation. In those cases, the filing window is measured from the most recent occurrence in the pattern.

However, isolated incidents—such as a one-time assault or threatening remark—may trigger the deadline from that single event.

For example, if someone made repeated sexual advances from 2021 to 2023, the clock may start on the date of the final message or unwanted contact. By contrast, if an offensive comment were made in a single Zoom meeting in June 2022, the deadline to sue would likely be June 2025.

So, documenting the timeline is crucial. Waiting too long to act can lead to uncertainty—or even missed legal opportunities.

Why It’s Risky to Wait Until Year Three

Legally, you may have three years to file. But that doesn’t mean you should wait that long. Here’s why:

• Evidence can disappear: Texts get deleted, emails go missing, and witnesses move on.
• Memories fade: Over time, it becomes harder to recall conversations or timelines clearly.
• Companies change: Managers, HR personnel, and even ownership may shift, complicating your case.

Speaking with an attorney early, even if you’re not sure whether you want to fil a claim, can help preserve your options.

How Lipsky Lowe Can Help

At Lipsky Lowe, we represent individuals throughout New York City who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Whether you’re still processing what happened or ready to take action, we’re here to support you.

Our legal team will:

• Review your timeline and help determine when the statute of limitations began
• Explain your options clearly and confidentially
• File your claim in court before the deadline passes
• Advocate for your rights with empathy, experience, and urgency

New York City Sexual Harassment Attorneys

You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in a New York City workplace, you have rights—and a limited time to enforce them.

Lipsky Lowe LLP is here to make sure your voice is heard and your claim is filed on time. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice.