Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Iowa

Employer threatening me and lying to unemployment appeals judge

I worked as a Night Janitor in a warehouse. The place was/is infested with bats. Nightly attcks were common. I asked repeatedly for help from employer, to no avail. I was told to buy a tennis raquet to kill them. I ended up killing 6 (six)bats and disposing them. I talked to state of Iowa workforce dept. Was told to put in notice and apply for unemployment.

Food was being stolen from my lunch I brought to work. I clocked in @4pm, all other workers clocked out @4pm.

My employer did nothing to help me. Around the middle of July,2003 after I had quit, my bosses son and another employee (whom I had never met), stopped me in front of my apartment. They said I had named them specifically as the thieves. They threatened me and my apt. mgr. Told me their names. Said they had lots of friends to take care of me. I was awarded unemployment, my employer appealed twice, losing both times. The second time though she lied to the Judge: about my attendance, whether there are bats in the building (bats are considered a health hazard), as well as other things about me and the Judge ruled in my favor.

Question: Do I have enough to file a civil lawsuit? I can't find an Attorney and I really can't afford one.


Asked on 3/24/04, 5:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Re: Employer threatening me and lying to unemployment appeals judge

Apparently your old supervisor's arguments did not carry the day with the administrative law judge.

You possibly could have filed a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, but that time has lapsed if you are alleging a violation of your civil rights.

http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/faq's.html

You may also file a lawsuit for wrongful termination alleging constructive discharge, but as Iowa is a right to work state this might not meet with much success. In addition you might have to pay back the unemployment benefits you collected if you recover.

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Answered on 3/25/04, 1:21 pm


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