What are my rights if I recently got fired because of rumors of my having a relationship with someone at work?
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What are my rights if I recently got fired because of rumors of my having a relationship with someone at work?
Asked on November 4, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You may have no rights with respect to getting your job back. That is unless you had protection under a union agreement or employment contract, or discrimination was a factor in your termination, or the circumstances surrounding your dismissal violated company policy.
In an "at will"; employment relationship, an employee is free to work for an employer or not, and an employer can hire/fire as it sees fit, with or without notice. This means that a worker can be discharged for any reason or no reason at all.
However, if you can prove who started the rumor and why you may be able to prove defamation (specifically, slander). Accordingly, you could sue the offending party for damages related you your termination because of their acts. You can speak with a personal injury attorney as to your potential rights/remedies.
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