Fired for mix-up involving employee discount, now compay wants money

[Erpfting]

I was terminated for employee discount violation. An associate and his brother with whom he lived came in to buy furniture for their home. I gave him the discount, not thinking about the fact that the brother was paying and he was technically not eligible. I accept that the company had the right to fire me due to the employment at will PA policy, despite the fact that I had 5 years of no issues, and other employees were not terminated for more serious infractions, including things such as sexual harassment. It basically came down to a new LP guy looking to make a name for himself. Months later, a lawyer sent me a letter telling me I owe the company $240. There was no theft or dishonesty involved, so they can't prosecute me for anything. My question is "Can they do anything else beside take me to small claims court, i.e., ruin my credit if I don't pay? There was never a mention at the time of my termination about reimbursement. If I felt my mistake genuinely cost the company, I would pay it, however the company made money on the sale and offers a ridiculous amount of other discounts.

 

[Proserpina]

Actually, they could argue theft.

They're far more likely to do this if you don't pay the civil demand. If they do file charges, you may end up paying the civil demand, a fine AND their legal fees to boot.

 

[Betty3]

You are correct that this was not a wrongful termination - they could & did legally terminate you for this situation.

If they take you to small claims court (& they legally can) & get a judgment against you, then you do owe the money. If they do take you to small claims court & get a judgment against you, the judgment most likely will appear on your credit report & can have an adverse affect on your credit & FICO score. Judgments generally show up on your credit report.

Some employers might sue for $240.00 & some might not.

It's your decision whether to pay now or chance them taking you to court.