IfI dented my bosses work truck while he had me drive it. legally, do I have to pay for the repairs?
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IfI dented my bosses work truck while he had me drive it. legally, do I have to pay for the repairs?
I do construction and this happened while in a construction site during work hours.
Asked on August 17, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Michigan
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If someone damages another's vehicle through negligence (carelessness), he or she is liable for the damage and can be made to pay for the repair. It does not matter that this was your employer's truck or that you were driving it for work--if you were careless, you are potentially responsible for the cost; conversely, if you were not careless or did not cause the damage, you should not have to pay.
Note the following:
1) If you do not have an employment contract, you may be fired for this--even if you were not at fault.
2) Even if you were at fault, the employer may not withhold money from you paycheck without your permission. The employer may, however, fire you, or could sue you for the money.
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