Legal Question in Employment Law in Georgia

I was employed at a hotel for 3 years, with an execeptional work record. On May 5 i was injured on the job and i asked to go to the doctor for xrays. I had suffered injuries with my back, knee and right palm. I was placed on light duty for 3 days. After going for my follow-up on May 8 i was realeased back on normal duty. The following follow-up was 2 weeks later, I had to submit a urine sample, the test came back positive for marajuana and cocaine. I explained to my Human Resources Director that my ex-boyfriend had made me some brownies that sunday prior to my injury (May 3) and that the brownies has contained marijuana laced with cocaine to possibly make me want to sleep with him. As a result i lost my job. There were only 3 people in the room upon my termination, HR Director, Director of Front Office and myself. I wasd told this was confidential. Not even 24 hrs later a current employee called me and informed me that an ex-employee was told by a current employee why i was terminated ( due to my drug test results.) What leagal rights do i have based on the fact that I had a good relationship with several Managers and Directors in the hotel. I feel like the leaked out information will hinder any potential job offers I could have had with them and other hotels. My character has been violated.


Asked on 5/14/11, 3:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Place the blame whedre it belongs. Your "character has been violated" by failing the drug test. The company had nothing to do with that (other than requiring the test). That is apparently an issue with your ex-boyfriend (at least based on your post), or your personal life. Certainly it could hinder job opportunities if it gets to potential employers but, again, the primary issue for them is failing the drug test. You can see a lawyer to review the procedures and policies of the former employer or perhaps even the testing facility, but there is no general legal right to keep reasons for your termination a secret (however bad form it may be for it to get out). However, keep this in mind - If you think potential employers might avoid you now (though many may not find out), how will it look when they see that not only did you fail a drug test, you sued the employer after they found out and terminated you?

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Answered on 5/15/11, 6:20 am


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