A former employee of a home care agency has filed a lawsuit alleging workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment and retaliation. Plaintiff Yara Wali filed the complaint on November 5 against Marks Homecare Agency Inc., Fadia Awad, and Oly Carrasco.
The case centers on allegations of discrimination and harassment Wali claims to have faced during her employment at Marks Home Care from June 2019 to March 2024. According to the complaint, Wali received unsolicited explicit photographs from the son of her supervisor, Fadia Awad. Despite reporting the incident to both Awad and another defendant, Oly Carrasco, no substantial action was taken, and Wali alleges retaliation, including reassignment of her cases and being overlooked for a promised promotion.
Wali’s legal action cites violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), and New York Labor Law § 740. In addition to the sexual harassment claims, Wali accuses the defendants of creating a hostile work environment through continued belittlement after she filed her complaint.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for lost wages and benefits, as well as damages for emotional distress and punitive damages. It also requests injunctive relief to prevent further discriminatory practices within the company.
Wali is represented by Madeline Howard from Sacco & Fillas LLP. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID: 1:24-cv-07710.