Legal Question in Business Law in California

An employer asked me to buy a cell phone because they didn't have one for me to use. I bought it at Costco and signed for it using my name only. They paid for the phone and had reimbursed me for the monthly service fees. Three months later I was let go and gave them back their phone upon their request. They said they would look into paying me for the termination fees but didn't get back to me until they received an invoice for the monthly service fees. They called and told me that they weren't going to pay for any of the fees which are $150 for early termination and $140 for monthly service fees. Verizon wont reverse the charges on the phone even though it hadn't been used once since I turned in the phone to my former employer.

What are my options. Looks like I need to pay for the fees and then file suit against my former employer. What are my obligations to Verizon and my former employer?

Thank you


Asked on 3/14/10, 10:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Your employer is obligated to indemnify you from any expenses or liability incurred as a necessary result of your employment. As between you and Verizon, however, you owe Verizon the money. You should contact the state labor comission's Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. They may have jurisdiction over your claim, and it is a) quicker, b) simpler, and c) more employee-friendly than filing a small claims action to recover from your employer.

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Answered on 3/19/10, 10:55 am


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