Part-time ex-employee suing me for $10k (after termination _on verbal agreement that didn't exist!

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Part-time ex-employee suing me for $10k (after termination _on verbal agreement that didn't exist!

Anonymous Jun 24, 2015 Business 3 views 3 answers

I hired a part-time employee to work on my ranch. Provided them w th housing, ATVs, tractor, fuel and credit card. He was hired to do a few hours of work after he got back from working full-time elsewhere. Terminated him after 10 months of inferior work. Now he's suing me for almost $10k saying we had a "verbal agreement" ( to provide him with a work truck (we didn't!) and this is the cost of wear and tear to his personal vehicle over 10 months. What legal grounds do I have to defend against these ridiculous allegations?

Bruce Bain · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T15:08:31+00:00

Probably several. You really need to contact a lawyer near you in LaGrange since he has a lawyer. Any Business policy you have on the ranch may cover it.

Stuart Steingraber · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T15:08:31+00:00

As the saying goes: "No good deed goes unpunished" Welcome to the wonderful world of litigation lottery. Verbal contracts are not worth the paper they're not written on. But, are enforceable. The problem he will have is proving the existence of a verbal contract. In a "he says vs. you says" the judge has nothing to work with except to observe the credibility of the witnesses. If you wind up in Small Claims court: Dress appropriately, don't interrupt, and keep to the point. If you are sued in any non-small claims court, get a good atty to represent you. Many lawyers offer a free consultation/case analysis. Talk with 2-3 and hire the one you feel is the best fit.

Stuart Lautin · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T15:08:31+00:00

First, you should know that ex-employee has the burden of proof and must present credible testimony and evidence. You have the same opportunity, but again -- it is up to the ex to make his case. If you have any witnesses or documents to support your position be sure to bring them / it. That will likely make a significant difference.

Part-time ex-employee suing me for $10k (after termination _on verbal agreement that didn't exist!

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