Sterling Heights, MI asked in Employment Law, Tax Law, Business Formation and Civil Rights for Michigan

Q: Is this a court-worthy case?

I was asked by a former employer to create a website store for his small business. I worked on it, hours everyday for months and spent 500$ to perfect it, which I was told would be covered. After finishing the website I was suddenly let go from the business. I've been an employee of the business for almost 4 years and this was quite surprising. The employer refused to give me the full amount of my last paycheck, refused to give me a W2, and told me he no longer needs the website. I would hate to take a small business owner to court but what he did was disgusting and I'm assuming, illegal. Is there anything I can do to get some money back? I worked for a very low wage and I am in college now so really I missed out on a lot compared to my usual wage. Thank you.

2 Lawyer Answers
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: If you were an employee, maybe this is a wage and labor issue?

Michael Zamzow
Michael Zamzow
Answered
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: It is probably not a "court-worthy" case, or-that-is, it might require a lawsuit, but viewing the facts most favorably to you, I doubt there will be much of a fight over it.

As Mr. Geers has said above, without more information, this could be a wage and commissions matter, or just plain breach of contract type action.

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