Derek Smith Law Group / Employment Law / Sexual Harassment / Quid Pro Quo

Quid Pro Quo

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Your Employer Cannot Offer You Advances at Work in Exchange for Sexual Favors (Quid Pro Quo)
What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
What Are Examples of Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Are Companies Liable for The Actions of Their Supervisors?
How Do You File a Claim for Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
How Long Will Your Claim for Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Take to Settle?
What Compensation Can You Receive as a Victim of Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
What is Tangible Employment Action?
How Can a Sexual Harassment Attorney Help Your Quid Pro Quo Claim?
Contact Our Sexual Harassment Lawyers for Your Free Consultation

Your Employer Cannot Offer You Advances at Work in Exchange for Sexual Favors (Quid Pro Quo)

Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when your employer, CEO, supervisor, or manager offers you advances in the workplace in exchange for sexual favors. Quid pro quo sexual harassment is an abuse of power and is illegal under federal and state laws.

If your boss subjects you to quid pro quo sexual harassment, you have the right to fight back and seek justice. You need a sexual harassment lawyer who will advocate for your rights in the workplace.

Call our sexual harassment lawyers in New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles for a free consultation about your quid pro quo sexual harassment claim.

What Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

Quid pro quo (“this for that” in Latin) is a form of sexual harassment where employees and job applicants feel pressure to accept requests for sexual favors in exchange for workplace advancements.

In other words, it is when you feel pressured to accept unwanted sexual advances because your job or advancement in the job is at stake.

Quid pro quo sexual harassment also occurs when your boss retaliates against you (wrongful termination, demotion, reduction in pay, change in shifts) because you refused their sexual advances and requests for sexual favors.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment in New York City

In New York City, “Quid Pro Quo” harassment consists of an individual being subjected to unwelcome sexual conduct and that the reaction to that conduct was then used as a basis for a decision, either actual or threatened, affecting compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

The NYC Human Rights Law describes sexual harassment as any threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, or violence that 1) interferes with a person’s civil or constitutional rights; and 2) it is motivated in part by that person actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, among other protected classes.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment in Philadelphia

Quid pro quo in Philadelphia means a favor for a favor. Under this type of claim, employment advances are given for sexual acts or favors. For instance, your boss may offer you a substantial raise if you agree to engage in sexual acts with him. Retaliation, such as wrongful termination or denying you an assignment or promotion for rejecting sexual advances, can also be a quid pro quo action in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Fair Practices Act prohibits all forms of sexual harassment in the Philadelphia workplace. The law protects employees in companies with at least one employee within the city of Philadelphia.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment in Miami

Under a Miami quid pro quo claim, the employer offers advances in employment in exchange for sexual favors. For instance, if you agree to perform oral sex on your supervisor, you will receive a corner office promotion. Retaliation is also a part of quid pro quo claims. Retaliation occurs when the employer wrongfully terminates or demotes an employee because they did not agree to or return the supervisor’s unwanted sexual advances.

The Florida Civil Rights Act protects employees in Florida companies with 15 or more employees from all forms of sexual harassment.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles

Los Angeles law defines a quid pro quo claim as a sexual harassment claim wherein your employer offers you advances in the workplace in exchange for sexual favors. Quid pro quo actions in Los Angeles can also occur as retaliation if you refuse your employer’s sexual advances. Instead of getting a raise or promotion, you may get fired from work or demoted as punishment.

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) in California protects employees in workplaces with five or more employees from sexual harassment in the workplace.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment in New Jersey

New Jersey passed the Law Against Discrimination (LAD) which prohibits sexual harassment in all workplaces with four or more employees. Employees, under LAD, can protect employees from any quid pro quo sexual harassment claims wherein the employee is offered advancements in the workplace in exchange for sexual favors. It also protects employees from retaliation when they deny these sexual favors.

Call us at 800-807-2209 to schedule a free consultation about your quid pro quo sexual harassment claim. Our lawyers handle all employment law matters for employees in New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles.

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Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial

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Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonialwon't be disappointed! 10/10

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What Are Examples of Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

When a person in a position of power in your workplace offers you a raise, a job, a promotion, or other workplace advances if you agree to their sexual favors, they are committing quid pro quo sexual harassment.

Some examples of this form of sexual harassment may include the following:

1. You interview for a job: The hiring manager tells you how adorable she thinks you are. She tells you that if you agree to meet her for dinner to discuss the details of the job, she can guarantee the job is yours. While she asks you to dinner, she begins to rub your knee. She makes it clear if you do not go to dinner with her, another candidate will get the job.

2. You want a raise: You have worked with the company for over two years and have consistently received excellent employee reviews. When you ask your manager for a raise, he tells you it is yours if you give him something in return. He then proceeds to get very close to you and attempts to kiss you. You refuse his advances. Instead of giving you a raise, you get fired from work.

Are Companies Liable for The Actions of Their Supervisors?

The Supreme Court has made it clear that employers are liable for the unlawful actions of their supervisors. The Court says:

Employers are liable for the actions of their supervisors, and
Employers are encouraged to prevent harassment in the workplace.

If your employer showed reasonable care to prevent the quid pro quo action or the employee did not take advantage of the policies and procedures, corrective opportunities, and other reasonable care offered by the employer to avoid the quid pro quo action.

Verdicts & Settlements

Our results speak for themselves

$4.9 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Catherine Lowry Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $4.9 million settlement on behalf of multiple employees of Schuylkill County who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment,…

$1.5 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$2.78 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Zachary Holzberg United States District Court, Eastern District of New York…

$4.050 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$1.6 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate…

How Do You File a Claim for Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

If you have a claim for quid pro quo sexual harassment, you have a right to file a charge against your employer in either federal or state court. The federal court requires you to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission within 180 days (300 days in some states).

State laws vary regarding your rights and the statute of limitations to file your claim. Speak with a qualified sexual harassment attorney in your state to learn your rights under your state’s laws. Our lawyers handle all sexual harassment law matters for employees in New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles.

How Long Will Your Claim for Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Take to Settle?

A quid pro quo sexual harassment lawsuit can take a couple of brief months to several years to conclude. Sometimes, your employer will settle before you even file your charge within the proper federal or state agency. In those cases, the case may take as few as four to six months to settle.

However, sometimes, your employer will not settle the claim early, if at all. Settlement negotiations can last right up until the moment before the court enters a final judgment (several years). Consult an experienced sexual harassment lawyer to help negotiate a settlement for you as quickly and fairly as possible.

What Compensation Can You Receive as a Victim of Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

Quid pro quo sexual harassment can be devastating and humiliating. As a victim, you have the right to request compensation. You may request physical relief, such as firing the supervisor responsible for the quid pro quo sexual harassment or giving you back your job. You may also request financial remedies, such as lost wages, legal fees, and money for emotional distress and pain and suffering.

Contact Our Sexual Harassment Lawyers for Your Free Consultation

Quid pro quo sexual harassment is never your fault. You did not do anything to cause someone to treat you in that manner. It is time to stand up for your rights. If you are the victim of quid pro quo sexual harassment, the experienced sexual harassment attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group in New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles can help.

Did Your Boss Offer Your Advancements at Work If You Gave into His Requests for Sexual Favors? This Behavior Is Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment. Please Call Us at 800.807.2209 to Learn More About Your Rights.

Discuss your compensation options with a compassionate sexual harassment attorney who is willing to guide you towards the compensation best suited for your case.

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Are You Sexually Harassed? Take Legal Action Right Now.

If you experience any form of sexual harassment, our expert legal team is here to help you fight back immediately with strength. Please call us at 8800.807.2209 or email derek@dereksmithlaw.com.

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