Results 1 to 3 of 3

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    11

    Question Getting Fired for Reporting Defective Products

    My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: Georgia

    I’m an engineer for a mid-size company, probably 1000 employees.
    A few weeks ago, I complained to my supervisor about some dangerous/defective electrical products for which I was responsible. I was immediately told how much money it would cost to recall/rework these products. I received an email from a high-level manager that told me not to send any additional correspondence on the issues, or discuss any defects.
    Within a week or so, I received a Warning Letter from HR. They asked me to resign, and I refused. My boss assigned me about a thousand hours of additional administrative (written reports) work to get done within the 30 days. I’ll probably be fired in a few weeks for “not meeting my job requirements”.
    Someone’s going to be killed or hurt by these products.

    Our Sales people don't want any of this info leaking out:
    - Last week one of our customers had a fire, and the customer is blaming our products.
    - Some of our customers have rejected huge percentages of our products due to defects.

    My questions:
    - I frequently work at home, and have backup copies of related emails and documentation at home. I'm certain they consider this “proprietary” information. What response should I provide if they ask for this stuff when I’m terminated?
    - If this goes to court, can they sue me for releasing this “proprietary” information as evidence in a civil trial?
    - Can I be sued for these defective products after I leave?
    - Any advice regarding my exit from the company? Should I document all this stuff for the HR folks?
    - Any advice regarding what type of attorney should I seek?

    Basically I just want a decent severance, and to get the heck out of this company, but the job market isn't so hot right now.
    Any advice would be appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Key West, FL
    Posts
    2,350

    Default Re: Getting Fired for Reporting Defective Products

    You need an employment attorney.

    Copy and save any documents you can that prove your position. Take photos or whatever you can do. Printout and save emails.

    Yes, they are setting you up for being fired.

    No, you can't personally be sued if the products hurt someone. Chances are you will be called as a witness if the plaintiffs know about you. Your employer would not want that to happen.

    They are really stupid. All their actions will come out during discovery in any civil action and they are setting themselves up for big time punitive damages.

    Immediately research any state whistle blower statutes in your state and also the federal one.

    I would suggest, along with the attorney, you work out a nice big severance package.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Getting Fired for Reporting Defective Products

    You should consult a plaintiff-side employment lawyer to have your rights assessed, along with a possible strategy for handling evidence or any legal claim in the event of termination.

    There are whistleblower laws that can protect employees who report an employer's misconduct to regulatory authorities (the lawyer can fill you in); but those typically offer no protection for complaints made in-house (i.e., to your supervisor or somebody else within the company). They also often have very short statutes of limitation - making it all the more sensible to consult the lawyer.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Is it Shoplifting to Use Products While in the Store
    By qxqxzz in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-08-2011, 08:03 AM
  2. Probation and Parole: Probation Reporting Fines and Fees to Credit Reporting Agencies
    By Mouth in forum Probation, Parole and Incarceration
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-17-2010, 09:36 AM
  3. Getting Fired: Fired For Reporting Unpaid Work Requirement
    By washuchan in forum Employment and Labor
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-18-2007, 06:21 PM
  4. Defective Products: Statute of Limitations for Defective Products
    By Samson in forum Accidents and Injuries
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 01-24-2007, 03:17 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources