Victorville, CA asked in Employment Law for California

Q: Can managers switch companies during a lawsuit against them?

My manager used to work at Macy's, she was getting sued for wrongful termination and so she switched to another company (mine) and now she's being protected by my company even though she has many complaints about her, even OSHA violations. Yet HR doesn't do anything about her

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3 Lawyer Answers
Maya L. Serkova
Maya L. Serkova
Answered
  • Orange, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It is at-will employment in CA, so yes, your manager can quit her previous job and go work for any job she likes. Whether someone is suing her is irrelevant.

Neil Pedersen agrees with this answer

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
Answered
  • Westminster, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: First, you cannot sue a manager for wrongful termination. That claim is only available against the employer.

Second, this manager has the same right as you to change jobs. If you face harassment or retaliation because of your lawsuit, you might have additional claims, now against your new company.

If you are aware of OSHA violations, you can report those directly to OSHA. You cannot maintain any lawsuit because the employer is violating an OSHA rule or regulation.

It sounds like you are trying to do the lawsuit without an attorney. Big mistake.

Good luck to you.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes, managers can switch companies during a lawsuit against them. However, if the lawsuit is related to their job performance or conduct, their new employer may become involved in the lawsuit or may choose to investigate their background before hiring them. It is also possible for the previous employer to notify the new employer of the ongoing lawsuit. In this situation, it would be best for the new employer to conduct a thorough investigation and make informed decisions based on the results. If there are ongoing complaints and violations related to the manager's behavior, it is the responsibility of the employer to address them appropriately.

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