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Former employer harassing me I received a letter from an attorney stating I need to contact them and give them the email I created myself, which has my name with-in the email address, that I used during my employment by tomorrow. Apr 25, 2023 · In this guide, we'll look at how to deal with an angry ex-employee, the problems they can cause and how to protect yourself to avoid the risk. As a broad concept, your former employer can Oct 29, 2021 · So, What is Your Former Employer Prohibited from Sharing About You? Your previous employer is legally prohibited from saying anything about you that is untrue or that which cannot be substantiated in some manner. That is true as the lawsuit is online. What are my options? I quit my job three weeks ago, and two days after my last day, my former boss sent me a termination agreement asking me to sign it. However, what happens if an employer provides a reference that includes defamatory remarks about the former employee? Defamation is a false statement that is communicated to a third party and causes harm to someone’s reputation. According to InHerSight, if your former employer is giving out false information, you should see an employment lawyer. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is unlawful for employers to retaliate against employees who engage in protected activities, such as filing a complaint or participating in an investigation. He found out that I had sex at age 17. I have a former employee who has been making posts of slander against me on social media. Dec 13, 2022 · The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency that interprets and enforces the laws prohibiting harassment and discrimination on the job, has said that refusing to hire an applicant because he or she has sued a former employer is a form of illegal retaliation. Learn the key steps you can take. Employees cannot be sued for simple negligence, but an employee can be sued for damages paid to a third party if she acted with gross negligence. I've been avoiding their emails and letters, but they've threatened legal action if I don't respond. But if you asked her about the most mind-blowing thing a former employee has done Your present employer has the right to say or do what it wishes to this person to prevent you from being harassed, so perhaps you can get assistance there. Talked to my aunt about me. When it comes to harassment claims, it is crucial to have solid evidence to support your case. Mar 26, 2018 · Do you have a defamation case against a former employer? Read our blog or contact our Houston employment lawyer at Shellist Lazars Slobin LLP today. your former employer is F*&cked with a capital F. Sep 22, 2009 · “To Whom It May Concern: One of my former employers, Bob Smith of XYZ Company was upset with me that I chose to resign from that company for a new job. It contains a one-sided non disparagement clause and asks me to sign away my rights to sue May 1, 2018 · Overall, an employer’s best bet is to resist the urge to engage a volatile or harassing ex-employee. Fortunately, employee civil filings have decreased by 15% since employee reference law prohibits employers from sharing false information. Mar 9, 2024 · Did your employer do something that damaged your reputation and harmed your future? Learn whether you can sue them at FindLaw. Now I’m receiving a letter. Allegations may also target the employer themselves. Jan 28, 2025 · The laws we enforce include strict time limits for filing a discrimination or retaliation complaint. Jul 11, 2025 · Learn the structured approach for addressing workplace harassment, including how to prepare your information and navigate official complaint procedures. Negative statements made by your former employer can harm your chances of finding new employment and can even damage your reputation. Feb 11, 2013 · Can I sue my former employer for harassment and slander after quitting? After 3 weeks of no longer being employed with the firm, my former boss called me at night and accused me of gossiping about the firm. Jul 5, 2023 · Have you ever felt like your former boss is exacting revenge on you? Are they preventing you from getting hired at a new job, spreading malicious gossip about you, or badmouthing your work abilities to potential employers? If so, this blog post is for you. If an ex’s actions result in a termination that breaches these principles, the employer could face legal consequences. Talk of this nature is upsetting and can make re-employing difficult, but is it defamation? Defamation refers to activity that harms another person’s reputation through communication with a third party. Apr 18, 2023 · It’s not uncommon for a former employer to badmouth you to potential employers, especially if you left on bad terms. - California Employment Law Questions & Answers - Justia Ask A Lawyer Jan 29, 2022 · I know I have to go to HR about this. 4 Ways To Stop A Toxic Former Employer From Jeopardizing Your Job Search Dealing with a toxic former employer can be challenging. I did read the how to post section on the side bar. Gavin de Becker’s The Gift of Fear poignantly notes that engagement with these types of individuals only reinforces the price they must pay for your attention. For example, it is unlawful to retaliate against applicants or employees for: filing or being a witness in an EEO charge, complaint, investigation, or lawsuit What is bothering me is a series of texts and emails from the former employer that may be harassment. By knowing how to cope with disgruntled former employees, you put yourself in a fantastic position. My question is around a former employer filing a complaint and then being questioned by my company. However, there are limits to what they can say and do. I was wondering if anyone could help me? I am 100% sure I was fired last week because of statements made by my former employer to my THEN current employer. Since I quit he has constantly sent me text messages, emails and even phone calls with his disgruntled theories that I am to blame for some of his patients leaving his practice, that I never told him about his patient's inquiries regarding their treatment, that I never collected payments on Customer: Hi, I have a former employee who has been sending me harassing emails. He also sent texts clearly meant for the company owner but sent it to a random employee instead. Is Your Former Employer Sabotaging Your New Job? Are you working hard at getting a new job, sending out resumes, getting interviews, being told you only have to pass a reference check, and then not getting the job? Multiple people have recently contacted me about this exact scenario wanting to know if the law provides them with any recourse at all. May 30, 2024 · What can I do about employer/former employer intentionally harassing me? Two of my supervisors (managers?) Have been going to my house on a daily basis looking for me. Now my former employer is claiming that he's going to file litigation against me if I don't provide him with passwords that I don't have because I no longer have my company computer. I resigned from my position and since then individuals have been harassing me. Only it turns out to be just cobra papers. Ballman is dedicated to serving our clients with a range of legal services including Employment and Harassment cases. On the other hand, many employees suffer long periods of unlawful Dec 27, 2023 · FindLaw explains if you can sue your employer for harassment if you quit. When I resigned from my position my previous employer responded with retaliation and harassment. Oct 31, 2022 · How do I get my former employer to stop harassing me? In Spring 2020 I ended my employment with a marketing agency. Former employer from overseas is still harassing me with emails and mailing me letters several times 1 year after I was fired and returned home to the US. You can’t sue your former employer for harassment unless you have legal grounds to do so. Asserting these EEO rights is called "protected activity," and it can take many forms. For that reason, Mr. File a complaint with your local Labor Commission (do not know your state), and talk with attorney about the harassment and slander. 1. Is there a way for me to sue? What do I need to do if somebody is harassing you like a former employer for thirteen years and individuals that work Jul 19, 2025 · The prospect of a new job often comes with uncertainty about what a former employer might say. Employer Liability for Harassment The employer is automatically liable for harassment by a supervisor that results in a negative employment action such as termination, failure to promote or hire, and loss of wages. Apr 12, 2023 · If your employer regularly shouts at you, belittles you, or treats you unfairly, you might be experiencing a hostile work environment. Customer: My former employer is harassing me. Disgruntled ex-employee keeps contacting current employees We had an employee, Lark, who served as a director in our business for about eight months. Various federal, state, and local laws outline employer responsibilities in preventing and addressing stalking behavior. Feb 7, 2024 · My former employer verbally harassed me and had other employees harassing me as well. . Read our blog to learn more. Understand the framework that protects your professional reputation. What Should I Do? An employee was fired for cause about two weeks ago, but has been messaging our employees through social media and text, being abusive, insulting, etc. Report this to the police for harassment by the person (s) at your former employee. Although retaliation by former employers can be devastating and emotionally draining, understanding the legalities of these situations can No, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against a person who has made a complaint of sexual harassment or other civil rights discrimination by giving a subsequent employer a negative reference. If you complain to your boss or the human resources department, do it in writing or follow up in writing. From unpaid wages and wrongful termination to workplace discrimination and retaliation for whistleblowing, we’ll explore the legal avenues available to … What Can I Sue My Jul 8, 2025 · Can Previous Employers Talk Bad About You? There is a legal line between a truthful reference and an unlawful one. The types of evidence that can be used vary depending on the nature of the harassment, but generally include documents, emails, text messages, witness statements, and any other relevant records. However, you may also file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner or go directly to court. The ex-employee was once a friend of mine for many years, but following this incident, he has been using our past friendship, our mutual friends, and anyone with a business connection whose emails he can access to send malicious Jun 27, 2009 · I don't get this at all. Employees, former employees, or job applicants who have suffered retaliation or discrimination may file a retaliation complaint. My current employer knew many things he could not have known without speaking to my former manager. For example, your employer cannot discriminate Jan 18, 2024 · Read 3 Answers from lawyers to My former employer failed to protect me from domestic violence and sexual harassment in the workplace. Customer: My former employer is texting me and emailing me harassment. Jul 12, 2025 · Learn the critical legal exceptions to at-will employment and understand the framework for holding a former employer accountable for unlawful actions. She chose to put in her notice and leave the company this summer. After the new boss had beeen treating him poorly he decided he had enough of the place and didn't go in. Learn what to do if your former employer badmouths you. May 18, 2023 · Employment Law: Defamation and Your Former Employer’s Statements When leaving a job, it’s common to worry about what your former employer will say about you to potential future employers. You have a right to report harassment, participate in a harassment investigation or lawsuit, or oppose harassment, without being retaliated against for doing so. Not every mean or rude comment qualifies as harassment. He has other lawsuits against him and one he lost. A former employer may hold a grudge over real or perceived slights or injustices, be jealous of your success or be resentful you left your previous position. Some states also require businesses to do harassment training, including Nevada, Mississippi, and California. Jul 26, 2025 · How to Sue a Former Employer: Legal Steps to Take Considering legal action against a past employer? Understand the foundational requirements and procedural path for pursuing a claim through the legal system. You could get turned down for a new position, be passed over for a promotion, or lose your job. Proving wrongful termination requires strong evidence, and knowing what to collect can make a significant difference in your case. Tips to Sending a Cease & Desist Letter People using this template form should edit out the brackets [ ] and fill in Jun 9, 2019 · One of the most common reasons employers contact lawyers about suing a former employee is because the employer suffered a financial loss related to the employee's negligence. Jun 16, 2017 · In civil cases for harassment that occurs outside the workplace, you must meet a four-prong legal test to sue for harassment and emotional distress. This piece will discuss different types of employer harassment after resignation and your options if it happens to you. The law protects you from retaliation (punishment) for complaining about harassment. Mar 28, 2018 · When an employment relationship ends, things can turn nasty. If your employer determines that you have been harassing others at work, you may face one or more of the following consequences: (1) verbal or written warning; (2) counseling; (3) transfer to another location or job; (4) suspension; or (5) termination. They are accusing me of stealing, poaching employees and being a fiduciary because I was a previous manager there. Understanding the Grounds for Legal Action: Dec 26, 2023 · Harassment or stalking perpetrated by a former employer can manifest due to a myriad of personal or professional motivations. In this case, you may have a hard time suing for "defamation," for example. Customer: My previous employer keeps harassing me. This is a person that witnessed me physically harassed in her office and has gone through told multiple employees about my medical history. You should tell the harasser that you find the behavior unwelcome. I held on till the wheels fell off. My father would just laugh along with them. Honestly It’s really weirding me out, I’ve never had a former employer contact me like this and I do not know how or if I should respond. Under the law, creating a hostile work environment is a type of workplace harassment. Harassment at work, threats by a romantic partner and stalking by an acquaintance may all rise to the level of legal action, provided you meet the legal requirements to file suit. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. As a general rule, a cease and desist template should not be used without first consulting with an experienced attorney. Sep 7, 2021 · For employers, sufficient harassment training will prevent accidental harassment cases, deter potential perpetrators, and prevent potential lawsuits. However, it is wise to protect yourself from such actions by having a broad network of others willing and able to give a positive professional reference. I have worked for a grooming shop in eastern Pennsylvania for almost 8 years. Employers have a right to share information about past employees, but this right is not unlimited. For example my then boss know all about Feb 12, 2025 · If you believe your former employer violated employment laws by misrepresenting your employment history, you may want to explore legal action. See full list on nolo. Im 22 years old and live/work in GA along the SC border. We are providing the information below to help you identify the right place to file a complaint, but it is up to you to file any complaint with the right agency within the appropriate Mar 21, 2019 · In these recessionary times when many of us feel like a pinball as we bounce from job to job, we often wonder: what can my former employer say about me after I'm gone?Not speaking ill of those no longer with us may be a moral obligation in our personal lives and it might also be a legal obligation in our professional lives. Mar 17, 2023 · If an employer gives a false and damaging reference, you might have a defamation claim. I would like to get some insight in to what I can do please? I am based in British Columbia in Canada. Apr 9, 2024 · What can be done to a former employer who I believe harassed me after I left? After I turned in a notice I was advised the next day that I was no longer needed at my job. Jun 16, 2022 · I had the intention of suing my former employer for sexism, racism, discrimination and harrassment. Also is it considered harassment if the former employer calls only one time and says he is going to have me served with court papers because he is filling a civil law suit against me. While working for her, I witnessed her create a false Facebook account to make Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe work environment, free from harassment and threats, including workplace stalking. A former co-worker is sending harassing text messages to my personal number. This could manifest as a former employer providing a negative reference or disclosing unfavorable information about the former employee to potential employers. Defamation at Work Defamation at work occurs when employers, customers or co-workers publish false statements of fact, without legal privilege to do so, that harm the reputation of employees. The director called my new employer and told him that I could not work with any of their customers. During her tenure, she repeatedly told several members of […] May 23, 2023 · As an employee, you work hard to uphold your reputation and maintain a good relationship with your employer. Aug 16, 2023 · What can I do about my former employer constantly sending me text messages accusing of things I did not do, and is not making p? 5 days ago · An employer’s responsibility to maintain a harassment-free workplace extends to protecting employees from the actions of third parties, such as clients, customers, or vendors. Jun 29, 2018 · LEXIS 334, a former bank employee brought a breach of contract claim against her former employer arguing that its failure to enforce the company’s anti-harassment provision contained in its Code of Conduct and Ethics caused her loss of employment. Can a former employer say negative things about you? In general, it is not legal for a previous employer to make false statements or provide negative feedback about a former employee to potential employers. Learn strategies to manage disgruntled ex-employees, protect your reputation, and maintain workplace harmony with effective offboarding and exit interviews. He sent me an email threatening me and then had his lawyer do the same. A place for employees to ask questions about compensation, benefits, harassment, discrimination, legal, and ethical issues in the workplace. Do I have the right to remain silent? Nov 15, 2024 · What can I do about my previous employer giving bad references? (Know You Rights in 2025) What can I do about my previous employer giving bad references? If a bad reference from a former employer hinders your career, you could sue for defamation of character. Click here for other types of cease and desist letter templates. However, what happens if your former employer Identifying Defamatory Statements by Former Employers: A Legal Guide. Jun 3, 2025 · Learn how Workplace Harassment Laws protect your Employee Rights and what steps to take if you're facing a hostile or discriminatory work environment. The answer is yes! You can file a lawsuit Feb 5, 2021 · We’ve all heard horror stories about former employees turning on their employers, so how can you protect your organisation so employees don’t try to burn it all down on their way out? Karen Gately, founder of HR consultancy Corporate Dojo, has seen a lot of interesting employee behaviour during her career. Verify if your employer is required to follow EEOC rules. They also want me to sign a new "continuing obligation" agreement, which focuses heavily on non-compete and non-solicitation of customers and employees. If you don't feel comfortable confronting the harasser or the harassment does not stop, you should tell your employer. How Much Money Can I Get After a Previous Employer Illegally Underpaid Me? The laws differ in every state, but you can always get back the unpaid wages that your previous employer owes you. Mar 13, 2024 · Employers often send former employees a cease-and-desist letter as a warning to stop certain harmful actions. HR from my former company has been pressuring me to disclose my new employer's information. I was with my old job for a decade in various […] Ever since then, anytime I state anything on social media about the organization, my former employer resumes harassing me, lobbing insults, lies about me, and making vague threats to “reveal” things about me to others. Your employer has a responsibility to protect employees from harassment. Within the past year the owners sons took over and have created a very stressful work environment. There are also professional reference-checking firms that can do this for you. Can a former coworker sue me for reporting them to HR? A former coworker was making some inappropriate comments. Your employer cannot discriminate against or harass you because your relative reports job discrimination or otherwise participates in a job discrimination proceeding, such as an investigation or lawsuit. At least up to a point. Sep 20, 2021 · Unless a person is lucky and some prospective lawyer informs them that a former employer is making slanderous statements about them, there are a few ways to try to confirm that a former employer is sabotaging a person’s job search. My former employer is my father. Interference with Future Employment One of the most common forms of post-employment harassment is interfering with a former employee's attempts to find new employment. Aug 3, 2021 · Some companies may require you to submit reference letters to be considered for a job position. I have a family friend who is a labor lawyer, but I'm not sure if this falls in his wheelhouse. Follow steps to protect yourself, from cease and desist letters to restraining orders. An experienced employment law attorney can determine whether a legal recourse for defamation arises from your former employer’s reference. May 6, 2015 · My former employer keeps harassing me about signing a termination agreement (not offering severance). In the Summer of 2020 I opened up my own marketing agency focusing on a different niche than my former employer. Jan 15, 2025 · Former employees may also file a retaliation claim if they faced adverse actions after reporting harassment or discrimination. What do I do? Jul 18, 2016 · The most obvious thing you can do is to threaten your ex employer with a claim for retaliation. A negative employment references can prevent an employee from getting a new job, for example, and would amount to defamation if false, but employers have a "qualified privilege," or a defense to Jan 31, 2025 · Losing a job can be devastating, but if you were wrongfully terminated, you have legal options to fight back. Employers can raise an affirmative defense against an allegation of harassment by a client or customer. I’m not sure what to do. When I walked through the door of our workplace the employees would yell out numerous degrading and humiliating things were said. Jan 31, 2021 · Moving On Disgruntled former employees can range from an inconvenient nuisance to downright dangerous. These pieces Oct 19, 2017 · Explain what has happened and ask for that person's help in getting the behavior to stop. Want to prevent sexual harassment from happening in your workplace? Dec 27, 2018 · A vengeful ex-boss has the potential to make your professional life miserable, or even derail your career. These letters may often threaten legal action or require you to contact your former employer. Defamation […] Former Employee Harassing Staff. The Labor Commissioner’s Office maintains a listing of California laws that specifically prohibits retaliation, discrimination, and pay inequity. Keep your own notes as well, but keep them at home, not in your desk drawer or If the statement is made to a future potential employer, then it is more likely to constitute defamation. Such conduct is both regrettable and intolerable. Can my employer discriminate against or harass me because someone I am related to files a job discrimination complaint against my company? No. Mar 25, 2025 · Learn how to stop someone from harassing you legally. Ex employer is harassing me My gosh, I could make this the longest story but I won’t (unless you want more tea) but I seriously need help, advice, anything! I was with my previous employer for about a year. Jun 16, 2020 · A reader writes: A few months ago, I finally left a job where my boss was abusive, thanks in great part to the advice you shared on your website. Hey guys my first post here so forgive me if I forget something. Several friends, including my roommate still worked there up until yesterday. This was apparently not the only complaint HR received against this employee (for multiple reasons, not just comments). Oct 19, 2023 · Example Harassment Cease & Desist Below is an example cease and desist letter for harassment. Courts have allowed employees to recover damages resulting from such things as retaliatory employer references. May 18, 2023 · When an employee leaves a job, it’s common for potential employers to request references from their previous employers. Federal and state laws establish boundaries to protect individuals from unfair Oct 15, 2023 · When faced with a contentious situation with a former employer, it may become necessary to take legal action to protect your rights. After voicing that it was unwelcomed behavior the remarks continued so I filed a complaint with the HR department. Learn when you can sue for a hostile work environment, and what you need to prove to win your case. In cases involving harassment by non-employees, courts consider the degree of control the employer had over the situation and the non-employee’s conduct. Mar 7, 2024 · If a disgruntled former employee is leaving bad reviews about you or your business, it's important to know how to respond. However, if the information shared is truthful and relevant to the job, they may be able to share it. In solidarity with fellow subreddits and 3rd party developers, /r/AskHR has gone private during the blackout. Do I have any case? What should I do if nothing happens if I take this up the chain of command? Left my last employer where I was the manager about 2 and half months ago. Apr 6, 2021 · Broadly, these laws prevent employees for being retaliated against for an abuser’s harassment, for seeking court intervention to protect themselves, or for seeking accommodations to obtain physical or mental health treatment for their abuse. Employers are prohibited under the law from intentionally blacklisting their former employees to potential employers. I work home health, and told them I need a break because a patient passed away. How to Sue Your Employer After Winning Unemployment Benefits Employees can strategically use their unemployment hearing and the outcome as a springboard for legal action against their former employer for wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, or something else. Former employer harassing / threatening me after I left my job there. If you are experiencing this, I want to emphatically state that you should take proactive measures to safeguard yourself, as these situations can often escalate swiftly. The EEO laws prohibit punishing job applicants or employees for asserting their rights to be free from employment discrimination including harassment. If your ex-boss sent a bad reference to your prospective employer, you may be able to file a blacklisting claim Jul 24, 2014 · My coworkers are harassing me. While many people believe companies are restricted to sharing only minimal details, the legal landscape is more complex. Jun 22, 2019 · What can I do about my previous employer harassing me? I left my position (with 30 days notice) on May 17, 2019. I worked for him for 9 years and was laid off in March because he told me he was being forced into bankruptcy. Constantly calling me. Here we go… 1. Employees should also report harassment to management at an early stage to prevent its escalation. There are no federal laws restricting what an employer can or cannot say about a former employee. Therefore, you must know the best ways to deal with them to protect your business, your employees and customers, and yourself. Why would your former boss be harassing at you at your new job? Get an anti harassment restraining order if this is the case. If you believe He was mostly calling employees racist, derogatory names, weird political mentions, and saying he's going to ruin our relationships with our clients. Nov 13, 2025 · Learn about EEOC laws, which protect you from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation at work. Might want to give a heads up to your current employer, former boss might eventually find out anyways so you might want to have a say first, especially if you can provide proof of harassment. Mar 12, 2018 · Employers can attempt to send company letters requesting an employee remove company information as a part of the employee’s online presence or may even file a complaint with the platform at issue. My previous employer has been harassing me for the past 3 months, and I want to know if I have a case here, and what I should do. I told them I was on the verge of a mental Fast forward three months, the PIP ended and let me go (didn’t give me a reason ) and gave me 6 months of pay and benefits in severance package After , I removed my former boss, her colleagues who were close friends with her and the HR person from my LinkedIn and blocked them. May 22, 2019 · For example, equal employment opportunity laws prohibiting employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation require employers to investigate former employees’ complaints. They have posted threatening social media posts about me several times also. This individual was terminated by their manager, and I am the manager's superior. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing. However, retaliation is notoriously difficult to prove. Looking to hold your former employer accountable? Wondering what legal measures you can take to seek justice for any wrongdoing? This article delves into the various grounds on which you can sue your former employer. You can use the application for protection against workplace harassment on this page if you are an employer (or the employer’s authorized agent, such as an attorney) and you believe that “harassment in the workplace” has occurred. Feb 10, 2025 · If the former employee escalates their behavior by harassing you or your employees via phone calls, texts, or in-person visits, filing a police report is a viable next step. If you believe an employer violated the law, you must file a complaint with the appropriate agency right away. May 18, 2023 · I’m wondering if I need to respond or if I just leave it alone. WHAT CAN. Jan 21, 2021 · In short, yes. Federal laws prohibit harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or protected activity (such as filing a discrimination complaint or participating in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit). They are being evasive about my inquiry for final pay and asking me to return a gift (two ratty couches given to a different employee first, and then given to me by employee). I was unaware of her mental health issues when I was hired, as she had previously been in a facility for treatment. Learn about suing for a hostile work environment, types of harassment, and more. Feb 2, 2025 · Employers must also avoid wrongful termination, which occurs when a firing violates public policy or statutory protections, such as anti-discrimination laws. I DO IF MY "FORMER EMPLOYER" IS HARASSING ME ON WORKSPACE AND WILL NOT DELETE ME????? - Google Account Community Help Center Community Improve your Google Former employer is attempting to sue me over allegedly stealing dog grooming clients info and harassing potential new employers. Mar 7, 2023 · What does the law have to say when it comes to your former employer speaking with a prospective employer? How do you go about finding a job after suing your former employer? Learn what to do if a former employer bad mouths you to your new boss, then consult with one of our New Jersey employment law attorneys today. This means that, to some extent, your job offer will depend on what your former boss thinks of you. Dec 16, 2023 · Some former workers even have to deal with harassment and interference long after separating from their employer. Smith may remain upset with me to this day. Sometimes sending a letter to the former employer asking him to stop pursuant to California law is enough to resolve your problem. If your employer knowingly or recklessly made false statements about you and you were harmed as a result, you can sue them for defamation of character. Mar 2, 2011 · Moreover, he’s handed you the perfect way to explain to prospective future employers why he won’t be a reliable reference for you — you can simply explain before future reference checks that your former boss got angry at you when you stopped helping out for free a year and a half after leaving the job. A friend or former colleague can call your former employer and ask them to provide a reference, then let you know what they say. com Oct 2, 2025 · When an ex-employee files a complaint regarding legal issues like harassment, discrimination, or wage-hour practices, the employer may receive warnings from an agency or correspondence from a lawyer. In most states, you will also receive additional compensation based on how much you were underpaid. Nov 4, 2018 · If your employer does dispute your unemployment, your state isn’t going to take your word for it that you were subjected to a hostile work environment, so you’ll need tangible evidence to back up your claim. Otherwise, unless the harassment you speak of gets to the point where it would be considered extreme or outrageous intentional attempts to severely emotionally distress you, or criminal in Customer: does a former employer have the right to speak ill of a former employee. Jul 21, 2025 · An employer’s negative statements about you can seriously impact your personal and professional reputation. Should I use the opportunity to let her know how horribly she treated me? Should I be polite but give her the cold shoulder? Or should I continue ignoring her? Call (954) 680-6300 - Donna M. Apr 13, 2013 · Can I sue or file a complaint against my former employer that would allow me to receive compensation for being bullied/harassed? At my last place of employment, I was bullied/harassed consistently by some of my co-workers. In the context of employment, defamation . Jul 22, 2024 · If you want to check the current law for your state, I strongly recommend that you read this article published by Barbara Kate about State Laws on References and Statements By Former Employers. Your employer may have an anti-harassment policy providing details about how to report harassment. An employer generally cannot retaliate against a former employee. Long story short. After a couple of emails back and forth, my final email was to give her a piece of my mind how she is prolonging an otherwise simple process, and told her that is she never to contact me again. Customer: I have been served a Cease and Desist by my previous employer. Legal Protections Against Harassment and Retaliation Learn what it means to be terminated for harassment, types of workplace misconduct, legal rights, and steps to take if you’re accused or a victim. I resigned after about four years because her evident mental illness became too difficult for me to manage daily. I was ok with that. Apr 28, 2021 · Let's say your ex-employer is picking up calls from possible employers and giving a mediocre review of your employment, but they're leaving just enough up to the caller's imagination. We often get calls from employees who suspect their former employer is smearing their name. Before I left, I was told that I would be receiving a Cease and Desist letter for alleged disparaging remarks made about the owner. Customer: I am experiencing harassment from a former employer through text messages. Aug 21, 2013 · My former employer (a dentist) won’t leave me alone. What To Do If Your Employer or Former Employer is Saying Something False About You - Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer Oct 10, 2024 · It’s five answers to five questions. My new job is incredible, with just the most amazing and supportive manager and team. Mar 26, 2018 · How can I get a former employer to stop harassing me? I resigned from an accounting firm months ago because of a bullying boss. Feb 18, 2015 · And keep in mind that many of your employees are going to be annoyed by what this former employee is doing, and she’ll end up discrediting herself in the eyes of a lot of people. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with an understanding of the key aspects involved in taking legal action against a former employer in the United States. What are my rights? Posted in Civil rights in the workplace, Employee Rights, Employer Rights, Employment Law, News on July 24, 2014 Many people often ask me, “Is it harassment if my coworker makes racist remarks?” The answer: maybe. Harassment is a form of employment discrimination. After gathering some documentation from other employees willing to help I started to experience what I can only describe as covert stalking.