Q: Is it possible to sue an employer in Maryland?
I was approached by a recruiter of a technology company in Maryland and was offered a position that would require me to relocate my family. I received an offer letter and sent it in, officially locking in my position with the organization. When I was asked about criminal history, I disclosed that my identity was stolen while I served in the military and their were some misdemeanor offenses on my record because of it. After 3 weeks, I received a start date from Human Resources, indicating everything was good to go and I moved my family to Maryland. After being on the job for 2 weeks, I was called into the VP's office and was asked about my record. In full disclosure, I told them about the situation and furnished a letter from my lawyer, affirming the information I shared with my employer. Despite my legal counsel affirming everything, I was dismissed. I wasn't given a real reason why I was dismissed or any documents around my dismissal. Help..Any insight or perspective is appreciated.
A: Generally, employment is "at will" in the state of Maryland, i.e., at the will of the employer or at the will of the employee. You may have a breach of contract if you can show that you and the employer made a contract for employment and the employer breached that contract by dismissing you. You would have to have evidence that there was a contract (oral or written agreement between the parties), there was consideration (money or promises exchanged), and the employer breached the contract and of course harm (cost of moving?). In an employer/employee relationship, it is hard to show that a contract for employment was made. You or a lawyer would have to look at the evidence you have to determine if you have enough (witnesses, documentation, etc.) to file in court. You also have to decide whether pursuing the matter is worth it to you.
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