Philadelphia
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Attorneys
“Quid pro quo” is Latin for “something for something.”
In sexual harassment, “quid pro quo” refers to situations where an employee is offered something — a promotion, a desired assignment, or any employment benefit — in exchange for a sexual encounter, a date or anything that crosses the line into sexual harassment. Quid pro quo sexual harassment is wrong and illegal under federal, Pennsylvania and New Jersey law. Victims are owed compensation and should contact a skilled sexual harassment attorney immediately.
Philadelphia Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Lawyer
At Console Mattiacci Law, LLC, we fight for the victims of on-the-job harassment, including those harassed in quid pro quo sexual harassment. If you are a victim of this type of sexual harassment, it is important to understand that you have rights. A dedicated Philadelphia quid pro quo sexual harassment lawyer from Console Mattiacci Law, LLC can help you protect and exercise those rights, and get the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 215-545-7676 to set up a consultation with our attorneys. We represent clients throughout the Philadelphia area, including but not limited to, Montgomery, Chester, Bucks, Delaware and Lancaster Counties.
We also represent clients in Ocean, Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Cape May and Atlantic Counties in New Jersey from our office in Moorestown, and clients throughout New York.
When Quid Pro Quo Harassment Occurs
Quid pro quo harassment occurs anytime an employer or a supervisor makes it clear a benefit of employment is contingent upon the employee or potential agreeing to a sexual encounter or sexual contact. This can include both explicit and implicit sexual encounters, like if the employer or supervisor says the benefit will be contingent upon going out for drinks with him or her.
This type of harassment commonly occurs when a person is seeking a promotion in their current job. A supervisor who makes the decision or who has a say in the supervision may make it clear that the person will only obtain the promotion if they agree.
Quid pro quo harassment can occur with any employment decision, though, including raises, certain work assignments or whether or not an employee is terminated. It can also occur during the hiring process, when the victims are potential employees.
If you were involved in a consensual relationship with someone at work and experienced a negative employment decision after the relationship ended — whether it was you or the other party that ended it — that is also considered a form of quid pro quo harassment.
Whether You Submitted to or Refused Advance, It’s Still Harassment
It is important to understand that if you went along with the sexual encounter or date and received the benefit, it does not mean you were not sexually harassed or that you do not have a case. Engaging in this type of behavior by employers is illegal, and you were wrongfully put in a position of choosing whether or not to maintain your livelihood or earn an advancement you deserved. Do not be deterred by any suggestion otherwise, or any attempt to shame you.
Likewise, you have a case if you refused the advances. The law is intended to protect from employers using their power over people to obtain sexual favors. If you were the victim of an attempt to do so, you have been harassed.
Console Mattiacci Law, LLC ǀ Philadelphia and New Jersey Quid Pro Quo Harassment Lawyers
If you have been the victim of any type of sexual harassment in the Philadelphia or New Jersey area, including quid pro quo harassment, contact a skilled lawyer at Console Mattiacci Law, LLC. We will seek compensation for the damages you incurred, including mental anguish and humiliation, and, when available, punitive damages. Call us today at 215-545-7676 to schedule a free consultation.