Conductor James Levine's decision to sue the New York Metropolitan Opera on Thursday after he was fired over allegations he molested young musicians shows employers not only run the risk of being sued when they ignore allegations of workers' misconduct, but when they take action as well.
Because the law obligates employers to investigate and take action to end harassment and assault, workers like Levine will generally have a tough time proving they were wronged, attorneys say. But they say there are a handful of steps employers can and should take to reduce their potential exposure when they decide to fire someone accused of harassment or worse.
"There's nothing in the law that requires, if you're an employee at-will, that you get due process," said Anderson Kill PC attorney Dona Kahn. "But it's incumbent, I believe, on companies and universities and institutions, not to rush to judgment."
To read the full story: How To Minimize Legal Risk When Firing Alleged Harassers