Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Michigan

Fired for exposing drunken doctor

I work part-time as a teacher and part-time as a server/bartender at a private golf country club. There is a doctor who is a member that will drink all night until he becomes drunk. He then lets us know that he is on call. Approximately two weeks ago, my sister needed some after-hours medical care and when she called, he was the doctor on call. She indicated that she thought he been drinking. I then decided that i should tell the medical center where he works about my concerns for patient safety. I was told to talk to the office manager, whom i asked not to use my name. She promised she would present it as a concerned anonymous patient. About a week later (last Saturday) the country club owner told me he was made aware of what i had done and then fired me. Is the wrongful termination? What options/recourse do i have? Can i seek a monetary settlement or just try to get my job back?


Asked on 6/01/05, 2:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Fired for exposing drunken doctor

You have an excellent case except your damages are limited. Normally, you are hired and fired "at will". this means that in normal situations, the employer can fire you for no reason whatsoever, as long as it does not violate some statute, such as the civil rights statute. However, there is a public policy exception to the "at will" doctrine. This means that if your firing is because of some action that you took in the interest of some important public health interest, then you have protection. However, because the employer could fire you for no reason under normal circumstances, courts have ruled that you are entitled to only nominal damages. However, I believe that it would definitely be worth pursuing. My guess is that the manager will create some other reason for your firing. Maybe your work file will offer some proof. If you are in the Wayne, Oakland or Macomb county area, feel free to give me a call at 248-353-9400. William S. Stern

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Answered on 6/01/05, 4:42 pm


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