Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor or another person in authority ties employment benefits or workplace decisions to unwanted sexual conduct. The phrase means something in exchange for something, and it often involves promises of advancement or threats of negative consequences.
Unlike some forms of workplace harassment, quid pro quo claims typically involve a direct connection between the unwanted conduct and a significant employment decision. When a claim is successful, several types of damages may be available to compensate the affected employee.
Lost wages and income
One of the most common forms of recovery involves lost earnings. If an employee was terminated, demoted or denied work opportunities after rejecting unwanted advances, compensation may include the wages that would have been earned absent the unlawful conduct. Courts may also consider future income losses when the harassment affected long-term career prospects.
Lost employment benefits
A successful claim may include compensation for benefits that were lost because of the employer’s actions. These losses can include health insurance coverage, retirement contributions, bonuses or other employment-related benefits. The goal is to place the employee in the position they would likely have occupied if the conduct had not occurred.
Lost career opportunities
Quid pro quo sexual harassment sometimes prevents employees from receiving promotions, desirable assignments or professional advancement opportunities. Compensation may be available when workplace decisions were improperly influenced by the acceptance or rejection of sexual demands.
Emotional distress damages
The effects of sexual harassment often extend beyond financial losses. Employees may experience anxiety, humiliation, stress or emotional suffering resulting from the conduct and its consequences. Damages for emotional distress are intended to compensate for these nonfinancial harms.
Reinstatement and punitive damages
In some cases, an employee may be reinstated to a former position if they lost employment because of quid pro quo conduct. Courts may also award punitive damages in particularly serious cases involving intentional or egregious misconduct.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment can have lasting personal and professional consequences. If you believe you have experienced sexual harassment, seeking legal guidance may help you evaluate your options and next steps.