Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

I am writing for my mother to see if we even have a case worth pursuing. She was layed off from her job after telecommuting for a month. Two days before, her HR manager instant messaged my mother's former boss at midnight to tell him she was being let go and to warn her. I know it is in very bad taste but is it illegal? It sure sounds like it to me. I am not really sure what area of law this would be.


Asked on 4/22/11, 11:27 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Richard Kaplan

Florida is an At Will State, so that anyone can be fired for any reason, with or without cause, as long as it doesn't violate civil rights or an employee contract.

I don't see either of those issues presented here.

However, your mother may be entitled to unemployment compensation if she has been working long enough.

The subject matter is Employment Law, and bad taste is not a legal grounds for damages as a method of firing.

Read more
Answered on 4/22/11, 1:04 pm
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

As a Franchise Attorney I agree with the other attorney answer. At-will employment relationships can be terminated at any time, by either party, except for certain suspect reasons - like violation of civil rights. And these do not appear from the facts stated in your question. Consult with a good business or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation

Read more
Answered on 4/24/11, 7:40 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in Florida