if I purchased car for work but was then laid off 2 weeks later, do I have a claim against my former employer?
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if I purchased car for work but was then laid off 2 weeks later, do I have a claim against my former employer?
One of my job requirements was that I had a reliable vehicle because I did service work at clients locations. My car was in bad shape so I ask my manager if there were any pending layoffs before I went out and purchased a new car. He assured me there was not, but did qualify it by saying anything can happen. I bought a new car and 2 weeks later I was let go. Do I have any claim against my former employer?
Asked on June 1, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
No, you most likely do not have a claim, for two reasons:
1) First, the manager said "anything can happen"--e.g. the manager did not give you a contract, or even a firm promise, of continued employment. In the absence of a firm promise or contract, there would be no liability.
2) Even if it were to be held by a court (if you sued) that what the manager said was a firm-enough promise to otherwise actually support liability, such as under the theory of "promissory estoppel" (which can sometimes enforce promises even when there is no actual contract), you state that you had a car, even if it was in bad shape; and you also do not indicate that the employer told you that you had to buy a new car. In short, buying a new car was your choice--you were not required to buy a car then for work. Since it was your choice--even if would have been a good choice or the right choice--the employer would not be liable for it.
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