Legal Question in Business Law in Michigan

Small auto dent on company car & employer forcing employee to pay

I work for a small private business ran by a man and his wife. I accidently put a small dent in the company's work-vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an auto-body shop, by me, and I was given a written estimate of $500. When I gave the written estimate to the owner (my boss) , he told me that his deductable for his insurance company was $500, and that he wants me to pay for half of the cost ($500.00)!

I NEVER signed any forms when I started working there (about 6 years ago) having ANYTHING to do with : responsibilities regarding the work-vehicle, liability while driving it, etc. I need to know if he can make me pay for the cost, OR EVEN WORSE, take money out of up-coming checks that I have due coming to me.


Asked on 1/22/04, 4:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Weingarden Gary D. Weingarden

Re: Small auto dent on company car & employer forcing employee to pay

I need to know if he can make me pay for the cost, OR EVEN WORSE, take money out of up-coming checks that I have due coming to me.

Let's take the easier (second) part first. No, your employer cannot take the money out of your check. He can't do that without your consent, and he can't threaten to fire your for refusing to give your consent. There is a Michigan statute that prohibits this practice.

The harder question: can he demand payment from you? He probably can. If he wanted to sue you for $250, he might well win.

Also, since he can fire you for any reason at all, he can probably fire you for damaging company property, unless you have a collective bargaining agreement or other contract with him that limits his ability to fire you. So watch out for that.

Good luck

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Answered on 1/22/04, 4:27 pm


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