Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. Employees are protected from sexual harassment by a series of criminal laws, labor laws, and sex discrimination laws. Unfortunately, despite the numerous acts that make sexual harassment illegal, many employees are still subjected to workplace harassment.
One of the most widely recognized forms of workplace sexual harassment is quid pro quo sexual harassment. Sexual harassment attorney Dan A. Atkerson, serving Allen, TX, and surrounding areas, can help victims of quid pro quo sexual harassment prove that their rights have been violated, so that they can seek financial compensation for resulting damages.
What Is “Quid Pro Quo” Sexual Harassment?
“Quid pro quo” is a latin phrase that translates to “this for that.” In terms of sexual harassment, a quid pro quo situation is one in which employment opportunities are offered on the condition that an employee submits to unwelcome sexual advances. Employment opportunities that may be leveraged in a quid pro quo sexual harassment situation include:
- Employment
- Benefits
- Pay increase
- Position (i.e. a promotion)
- Work assignments
- Performance expectations
Quid pro quo sexual harassment may be explicit, meaning that expectations are clearly stated, or implicit, meaning that the leverage is implied or suggested. In either case, quid pro quo sexual harassment is a violation of a worker’s rights and should be reported. We advise victims of sexual harassment to make an official complaint with their human resources department and then contact a sexual harassment attorney, such as Dan A. Atkerson.
Proving Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Victims of quid pro quo sexual harassment have the right to file a lawsuit and seek financial compensation for resulting damages. In order to successfully prove a claim of quid pro quo sexual harassment on behalf of his Plano clients, attorney Dan A. Atkerson needs to show that the employee was a victim of sexual harassment or that employment action was taken because they refused to submit to sexual advances. Examples of employment action include terminating the employee, denying them a promotion, altering work assignments, or changing work positions.
Who Is Liable?
In nearly all cases of quid pro quo sexual harassment, regardless of who personally committed the harassment, the employer is held liable for sexual harassment and any subsequent employment actions taken. This is because a supervisor, manager, or other employee who commits acts of quid pro quo sexual harassment are seen to be acting on behalf of their employer.
Compensation for Damages
Victims of quid pro quo sexual harassment can work with Mr. Atkerson to seek financial compensation for damages related to their mistreatment. The compensation provided to each of our Frisco clients will vary based on the details of their case. However, potential areas of compensation in a sexual harassment lawsuit include:
- Loss of income
- Back pay for lost wages
- Emotional distress, diminished quality of life
- Punitive damages
Contact Us
Employees who have been victims of quid pro quo sexual harassment may be due substantial financial compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. To learn how attorney Dan A. Atkerson can help you collect the damages you are due, send a message to our legal team or call (214) 383-3606 at your earliest convenience.