Can I be terminated legally for this?
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Can I be terminated legally for this?
I was accused of and terminated for
taking pills out of a customers car
which I did not take and the reason
was because I had a problem and
received help for prescription
painkillers a few years ago. I was told I
was fired because that was the only
logical explanation of who took them
Asked on July 21, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Indiana
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Most employment is "at will". This means that a company can set the conditions of work much as it sees fit. This includes who to fire and why. In fact, an employee can be terminated for the reason that you cite, for any reason, or for no reason at all. That is unless such an action violates a union/collective bargaining agreement or employment contract. Whole seemingly unfair, in your case, it is perfectly permissable under the law.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If you had a written employment contract limiting the reasons or procudure for/by which you could be terminated and they fired you in violation of it, you could sue your employer for breach of contract. But if you did not have a written employment contract, you were an "employee at will" and could be terminated at any time, for any reason whatsoever, included unfounded allegations of theft. Without a contract, they could terminate you for this reason.
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