If I work for a company that goes into customer’s home, is it legal for my employer to make me pay for accidental damage?
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If I work for a company that goes into customer’s home, is it legal for my employer to make me pay for accidental damage?
Asked on April 3, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Delaware
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If an employee causes his/her employer to incur costs, such as by negligently damaging someone else's property, for which the employer would be liable, the employer is not required to absorb the cost--it may ask its employee to pay the expense.
If the employee will not pay, the employer may not deduct the money froom his/her paycheck--it is illegal to withhold or deduct money from wages without employee consent, except as required by law (e.g. cerrtain taxes; a court-ordered wage garnishment). However:
1) An employer may terminate an employee who causes it to incur liability or expense; and
2) If the employer thinks you are at fault and there's enough money at stake to make it worthwhile, it has the option of suing you for the money.
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