Florida Unemployment: My boss was violent towards me and I feared he was going to hurt me.

Question

I freaked out and told him to "F" off..and that I quit. I was afraid of him so I didn't go back the next day and haven't since. I applied for unemployment in Florida and put that I was fired. I left the explanation blank because I didn't want things to get even uglier. Will I still get my unemployment? Some friends of mine are saying I won't get it because I put that I was fired.

Answer 1

If the boss was violent in his interactions with you, file a police report (even if he only threatened violence).  

You will be notified if the boss is contesting your account of what happened.  If that is the case, I would see if your state labor dept. has an ombudsman who you can tell your side of the story to in advance.  If the ombudsman does their job it is doubtful that he will continue to contest awarding you unemployment.  

At the very least I would have someone go to the hearing with you to help you feel safer.

Answer 2

If you are fired, you WILL get unemployment, unless your boss disputes it.  If that happens, than you have to go to a ‘trial’ which is really just you, him and one other underpaid government employee getting two sides from both of you to make a final decision.  You will have to prove that he did fire you, and you took it as such because he was being violent and threatening. If you quit, you do NOT get unemployment unless under certain circumstances, which violence may be one.

My Best,

Michael Grant

http://www.yawzer.com

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