Georgia Employer Deducting Paychecks For Accidental Customer Vehicle Damage Without Authorization
Title: Georgia employer deducting paycheck for accidental customer vehicle damage without authorization
I work at a tire/mechanic shop in Georgia making $16/hour. A few weeks ago, while moving a customer vehicle between bays during work, I accidentally backed into another customer vehicle in the parking lot. The damage was relatively minor, but I do admit the accident was my fault.
My employer deducted $100 from my paycheck labeled “Damaged Property” and told me they plan to continue deducting about $100 per paycheck because they claim I owe around $700 total.
The issue is:
- I was never asked to authorize deductions
- I never signed any repayment agreement that I know of
- I was not informed beforehand
- They simply deducted the money from payroll
The deduction did not put me below minimum wage, but it significantly reduced my paycheck.
My questions are:
1. In Georgia, can an employer legally deduct wages for accidental workplace vehicle damage without employee authorization?
2. Does it matter that I was acting within my normal job duties at the time?
3. If I quit, can they legally continue trying to collect the remaining balance?
I am gathering my onboarding paperwork now to verify whether I signed anything related to deductions.
Not looking for moral opinions — just trying to understand my legal rights and whether these payroll deductions are lawful.
Location: Georgia
[link] [comments]
Popular Products
-
Electronic String Tension Calibrator ...$41.56$20.78 -
Pickleball Paddle Case Hard Shell Rac...$27.56$13.78 -
Beach Tennis Racket Head Tape Protect...$59.56$29.78 -
Glow-in-the-Dark Outdoor Pickleball B...$49.56$24.78 -
Tennis Racket Lead Tape - 20Pcs$51.56$25.78