Former Employees File Federal Suit Against Laser Spine Institute in Tampa

March 5, 2019

Hundreds of Laser Spine Institute employees who were fired Friday after the company unexpectedly shut down have now filed a federal lawsuit.

Laser Spine Institute announced Friday their doors were closing, and patients had to find new doctors while former employees have to find new jobs.

So far there have been three federal lawsuits filed on behalf of former employees. One of the filings claims the company violated what’s called the WARN Act because they didn’t notify employees of what was happening until the day the company closed.

Under the WARN Act, employees who don’t receive advance notice of the layoff are entitled to 60 days wages and benefits.

Officials from the Laser Spine Institute sent out this statement in response to the lawsuits filed Monday.

“The sudden closing of Laser Spine Institute was an unfortunate and heartbreaking situation. It’s possible that some employees may not have remembered all of the information that was shared on Friday. Employees will be paid for the hours they’ve worked and their benefits will be extended according to our normal separation policy.

With respect to the WARN Act, the company’s position is that it’s fully complied with these obligations. The WARN act notices that have been filed are on file with the state of Florida. Laser Spine Institute intends to defend itself against these allegations.”

The Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification (WARN) Act requires that employers give employees 60 days advance written notice of a mass layoff or worksite closing. When employers fail to provide this notice, our Florida Employment Law Attorneys represent employees in class action litigation for damages in federal court.

Congress passed the WARN Act in 1988 to make sure employees receive advance notice of a mass layoff. Your rights under the WARN Act include:

• The right to a 60 day notice
• The right to recover wages and benefits
• The right to receive adequate warning to look for and find a new job
• The right to an explanation if you don’t receive 60 days notice

You still have rights if your company filed for bankruptcy. In fact, WARN Act claims are considerable and actually take priority over other creditors in bankruptcy court.

If you have been let go from your job as part of a business closing without 60 days written notice, our Florida Employment Law Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are here to help. We can take your case on a contingency basis, so you will owe us nothing until we recover a financial award on your behalf. Call us today at 813-221-3200 or contact us online for a free consultation.