Legal Question in Employment Law in California

The company i am working for is being sued by an ex-employee and I am also being sued as an individual by the same ex-employee due to my employment with the company. I am being represented by my company's attorny. Can I quit my job while the case is still active? What are the consequences?


Asked on 8/23/16, 11:09 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

It depends on the details of the situation. Most commonly the employer owes a duty to defend the employee sued individually, but not always. Sometimes the employer provides the defense because they see it as being beneficial to be jointly represented and the additional cost is nominal. In those unusual situations the employer might "pull the plug" if the employee quits. There is no way to really tell for sure what your rights and possible results would be without knowing the details, even though more than nine times out of ten the employer has a direct duty to defend that would survive the employee quitting.

Read more
Answered on 8/23/16, 11:26 am
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

If you are being sued because of conduct that might be outside of a normal work relationship such as, for instance, your alleged sexual harassment or assault/battery, I agree that the company might require you to find your own attorney. If it's for a wage and hour issue such as meal breaks or overtime, the employer should continue with your defense. In any case, you may leave the employer if you have another place to work. Make sure to let the attorney know where to reach you and that you'll continue to cooperate as best as you can.

Read more
Answered on 8/23/16, 12:02 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in California