New York City Failure to Deliver Goods & Services Attorneys

Protecting Your Rights Against Discrimination in Public Accommodations

Under the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) and the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), it is illegal for public accommodations to discriminate against individuals based on protected characteristics. Public accommodations include businesses and establishments that provide goods or services to the public, such as retail stores, restaurants, medical offices, banks, theaters, hotels, taxis, and educational institutions.

If you have been denied goods or services due to your gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics, you may have legal grounds to file a complaint or civil lawsuit. At Phillips & Associates, our experienced discrimination attorneys can help you understand your rights and take legal action to hold violators accountable.

If you have been denied goods or services due to discrimination, you don’t have to face this alone. Contact us now at (866) 229-9441 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and compensation.

Failure to Provide Goods and Services Based on Gender

The NYCHRL explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender, which includes actual or perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, and transgender status. Businesses that deny goods or services based on gender may be subject to legal consequences.

Examples of Gender-Based Discrimination:

• A retail store refusing to sell condoms to a woman.
• A nail salon denying service to a man because of his appearance.
• A doctor refusing to treat an intersex patient.

Victims of gender-based discrimination can file a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR) or pursue civil litigation to seek damages, including punitive damages and injunctive relief.

Denial of Goods and Services Based on Race

The NYCHRL and NYSHRL forbid businesses from refusing services based on race. Any business that provides goods and services to the public must treat all customers equally, regardless of race.

Examples of Race-Based Discrimination:

• A hair salon refusing to provide service after learning a client is Black.
• A bakery declining to make a wedding cake for a Black Jewish transgender individual.
• A taxi driver refusing to pick up a passenger based on race.

Victims of race discrimination may file a complaint with the NYCCHR within one year or pursue civil litigation within three years. Remedies may include compensatory damages, punitive damages, and legal fees.

Religious and National Origin Discrimination

Public accommodations cannot discriminate based on an individual’s religion or national origin. Businesses that refuse services based on these characteristics may face legal action.

Examples of Religious or National Origin Discrimination:

• A store owner refusing to sell tools to a Muslim customer based on prejudiced assumptions.
• A venue canceling a wedding because one of the individuals is perceived to be Iraqi.
• A taxi refusing to transport a Sikh passenger due to their religious attire.

Victims can file a complaint with the NYCCHR or pursue a lawsuit for monetary damages and other legal remedies.

Failure to Provide Goods and Services Based on Sexual Orientation

The NYCHRL protects individuals from discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, including homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual, or asexual identities.

Examples of Sexual Orientation Discrimination:

• A school failing to address homophobic harassment, preventing a student from accessing educational services.
• A retail store asking a same-sex couple to leave after displaying affection, while allowing heterosexual couples to remain.
• A taxi driver refusing to transport a same-sex couple.

Victims of sexual orientation discrimination can file a complaint with the NYCCHR or pursue legal action in the New York State Supreme Court within three years.

Legal Remedies and How We Can Help

Victims of public accommodation discrimination have legal options, including:

• Filing a complaint with the NYCCHR – The Commission investigates claims and can impose penalties.
• Pursuing a civil lawsuit – Victims may seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief.
• Negotiating settlements – An attorney can help resolve disputes through negotiations before filing a lawsuit.

At Phillips & Associates, our skilled discrimination attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in New York City. We provide strategic legal counsel to ensure that individuals who have faced discrimination receive justice and appropriate compensation. We represent clients throughout New York City, including the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

If you believe you have been a victim of public accommodation discrimination, contact us at (866) 229-9441 or through our online form for a free consultation.