I would like to know if a previous employer can sue me for the cost of equipment that was damaged?
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I would like to know if a previous employer can sue me for the cost of equipment that was damaged?
I worked for a house cleaning company. I did sign a paper saying I would be responsible for equipment. I was rear-ended by another car and her equipment was damaged/destroyed in the car accident. Since it wasn’t my fault I was in an accident how would I still be held responsible to repay manager for damaged equipment. The manager asked me to file a claim with my insurance since she has a $2000 deductible. So it made me think if I really do owe her or not.
Asked on March 13, 2013 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Normally, you would only be liable, or financially responsible, if you were at fault in some way in causing the damage or destruction. However, if you signed an agreement under which you accepted all financial responsibility for the equipment, that agreement is legal and enforceable; therefore, depending on exactly what the document you signed says, it may be that you are liable because you agreed to be liable, even in the absence of fault.
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