[quote]TheBodyGuard wrote:
[quote]wakiki wrote:
[quote]TheBodyGuard wrote:
From my understanding, GA is not an “at will” employment State. The “at will” doctrine generally means an employer can generally discharge you for no cause whatsoever. I do not believe GA recognizes the “at will” doctrine. So, that, in addition to any signed contract (you have an executed contract?) probably provides you a good deal of protection. I would at least consult an EMPLOYMENT LAW LAWYER before you proceed and I’d do it ASAP. I’m also assuming your compensation would have been greater than 15k (don’t forget any benefits too, b/c they count toward damages), in addition to whatever damages may be recoverable so I’d definitely get the small claims court thing out of your mind.
If you’ve been wronged, don’t half-ass it and try to play lawyer yourself. And save the flag waving rabble rousing for after you’ve consulted a lawyer. Do you want what is just, or do you want to raise a stink? Raising a stink may not get you justice, it might just make you feel better. Win the war. If you can’t win the war, then by all means go fight your battle. [/quote]
From the GA Department of Labor website, it seems that you’re correct since I have a contract:
“Unless you have a contract with your employer for a specified length of service, either you or your employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason or no reason at all, with the exception of illegal discrimination. This is frequently called “Employment-at-Will.””
The reason I thought small claims might be appropriate is because the total contract was for 12,000. I was only a part-time teacher there (I have another job).
I’d like to sue for breach of contract, and then whether I win or lose I will raise a stink.
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Your damages may not be limited to the amount of your salary. You may be entitled to attorney fees for breach of contract, loss of any benefits and other damages. Go see an employment lawyer.
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Thanks TBG. I’ll see if I can get a consultation with an employment lawyer. If the employment lawyer thinks I have a case, I think I will go that route.
The attraction of small claims court was that if I lose, I have only lost $76 of legal fees, and if I win those fees are included in the claim. Since I would represent myself, I would not have to afford lawyer’s fees.