Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment is the type of sexual harassment that most people are familiar with. This form of harassment is a crime, and it can also give rise to a civil lawsuit. This means if you are the victim of quid pro quo harassment, the abuser could face criminal charges and you could also pursue a claim to recover monetary compensation for losses and damages.
If you believe you were the victim of quid pro quo harassment, you should speak with an experienced employment discrimination lawyer right away. Richard Celler Legal, P.A. is here to help you to understand your rights and we can advise you and represent you every step of the way in your sexual harassment case. Call today to speak with a member of our legal team to learn more.
Defining Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor, boss, manager or other person at your workplace makes any aspect of your job dependent upon your willingness to submit to any kind of sexual advances.
Quid pro quo harassment can occur in relation to any of the terms and conditions of your job including:
- Whether you are hired.
- Whether you are fired.
- Whether you are promoted.
- Whether you receive job benefits.
- The shift or work assignments that you receive.
- Whether you receive a salary increase or a pay cut.
- The outcome of your performance review.
If your boss makes these or other job benefits dependent upon your willingness to agree to anything sexual, this is an example of quid pro quo sexual harassment. This means that harassment occurs not only if your boss asks you to sleep with him, but also if he asks you to go out on a date, kiss him, allow him to touch you, or asks you to wear sexually-suggestive clothing. If you believe that any aspect of your job is dependent upon submitting to any kind of sexual behavior, then you are the victim of quid pro quo harassment.
Employers are typically held strictly liable for quid pro quo harassment. This means that if the harassment actually occurred, the employer is responsible for the actions of the boss or the supervisor. If you were the victim of quid pro quo harassment, you should be able to make a claim against your employer to obtain compensation for actual financial loss, back pay, future economic loss and lost enjoyment of life.
You should keep records of any incidents of harassment so you will have evidence to show you were the victim of this abusive behavior at work. You should also call a legal professional right away for help. A Florida employment discrimination lawyer at Richard Celler Legal, P.A. can help with your claim.