I just got the overnight email telling me I was not at fault for my termination and honestly, I've never felt so vindicated in my life. We live in an at-will state and my question is, if the state believes me, should I speak to an attorney now? I want the gates of hell to come down on everyone involved. However, it might be healthier and less risky to just move on and take the W. I start my new job on Wednesday so not sure if it is worth it or not and wanted to hear some opinions.
The story isn't that great. I was an exec chef – one of only a handful of Northrop's that permanently hire a kitchen staff – and one of our employees decided to come up with an elaborate story about how I threw a knife across the kitchen. In reality, I overcooked some rice noodles and was so mad at myself, and this woman encouraged me to “let it out” on her arm. Basically trying to get me to hit her. I walked away and completely forgot about the situation. Next day, I'm balls deep into cooking and I'm told to go meet one of the new managers. I was tricked and ended up meeting security where they told me I was “under investigation for the situation that happened yesterday.” I laughed and said what happened yesterday?? They refused to tell until I got a call from my bosses husband that night asking me if the allegation was true.
Next day after that, I start blowing up HR. I told him how unprofessional it was to not even inform me of the investigation — I deserve a right to defend myself. I asked him how far the knife was thrown. I asked where it made impact as markings should appear. I asked why the cops weren't called. Needless to say, I got no response until they called and terminated me. A month later and the jokes on them.
Is there anything I can do legally to make life hell for all that was involved?