Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Florida

physical abuse

i was working in a dental office , until last week and the dentist grabbed my arm , squezed it and said,What is it going to take to get through to you''

i have quit the job there and do not plan to use him as a reference , but i am very upset over this situation and was wondering if i can do anytrhing about it.


Asked on 1/31/04, 5:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jeffrey Sheldon

Re: physical abuse

Technically, it is assault and battery which is both criminally and civilly illegal. But it is not serious enough to bring an action on that basis.

You could also sue for wrongful discharge, claiming both the assault and battery and constructive discharge (i.e., you had no choice but to quit), but that really is not a very strong case either.

What you can do is file for unemployment compensation and claim, again, that you had no choice but to quit because of the conduct. Make it clear that you would not have quit if not for the dentist grabbing your arm and harassing you. You may or may not get benefits, but it is worth trying since there is no cost if you do not yet have another job lined up.

Jeff Sheldon

Jeffrey L. Sheldon, Esquire

The Sheldon Law Firm

17804 St. Lucia Isle Drive

Tampa, FL 33647

813.986.7580

(f) 813.986.7489

(Admitted in Fl., MD, D.C., and Pa.)

[email protected]

http://www.SheldonLawFirm.com

Disclaimer: This posting does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not confidential, nor is it privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with an attorney for advice specific to the facts of your case.

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Answered on 1/31/04, 6:23 pm


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