Most states have employment agreements that are “at-will.” This means that the employer or the employee can terminate the employment agreement for any reason, provided that he is not violating federal or state statutes. However, some employees sign particular agreements that may allow employers to sue them for damages. If you have a question regarding an employment matter, contact a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with employment contract disputes and labor laws.

Employees may sign agreements in which they agree to work for a specified period of time. These types of employees may have specialized skills, may be working on a long-term project or may want the security of knowing that an employee will be required to work for a longer period of time. Employers can also benefit from this arrangement by not having to spend more money in recruiting and training a new employee. If an employee quits while working under a contract with a specified time period, he can be sued for breach of contract. This legal theory is based on the concept that two parties mutually agreed to the terms of the contract and the breacher should be held fiscally responsible for any damages that may result. The employer may be able to recover damages, such as the cost of finding a replacement and the difference in salaries between the former employee and the employee who was hired after the original employee breached the contract. Some contracts include specific amounts of damages that are identified in the contract as liquidated damages. A court will not usually order an employee to stay at the place of employment because of public policy concerns.

Other provisions may be included in an employment contract that could make the employee subject to a lawsuit. For example, an employee may sign an agreement not to reveal confidential information about the company or may be precluded from opening a business of a similar nature. An employee who violates these types of terms of an agreement may be subject to a lawsuit for money damages or indemnification, a court order that forbids a person from acting in a certain manner.       

A skilled personal injury lawyer will evaluate the employee’s contract and discern which provisions of the contract will likely be upheld. He or she will inform you of your available options. Contact a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with employment laws and schedule a free, initial consultation today.

If you live in Columbus, Cincinnati, San Francisco, El Paso, Houston, Baltimore, Tampa, New Orleans, Seattle, Phoenix, Long Island, Wyoming or anywhere else in the United States, CALL NOW to speak to a skilled personal injury lawyer in a confidential and no cost case review.