What constitutes valid grounds for termination?

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What constitutes valid grounds for termination?

A fellow employee where I work struck me in the face for mistakenly grabbing their work jacket. Police were called the manager refuses to provide the video to show the incident to police. Now I am being told I am to be fired when I did nothing did not even hit the person back. Would like to know if I can an any have charges pressed against the other employee and do they have a legal right to fire me?

Asked on January 18, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, New York

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

Unless you have an employment contract or union agreement, etc. that states otherwise, or there is existing company policy to the contrary, you can be terminated by your employer for this reason, any reason or for no reason at all. The is because most employment relationships are what is know as "at will". Accordingly, an employer can hire or fire as it sees fit (providing that such action does not constitute any form of legally actionable discrimination).

As for the assault, you could possibly file a civil suit for personal injury depending on all of the circumstances and you can file a criminal complaint against your assailant (but having the video would make things easier for you).


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