Hartford, Conn. – Attorneys David X. Sullivan, Thomas J. Finn, and Gregory A. Hall from the law firm McCarter & English have officially joined a civil rights case, representing Sunrun Installation Services. The lawsuit was initiated on September 4 in the Connecticut District Court by lawyer Robert M. Berke, who is representing the plaintiff, former Sunrun employee George Edward Steins. This legal action stems from allegations that the company’s lack of communication led to criminal charges against Steins, which were subsequently dismissed.
The genesis of the complaint lies in 2017 when Steins’ employment with Sunrun concluded. The lawsuit alleges that if Sunrun had promptly notified the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection about the termination of Steins’ employment and the associated cessation of his licensure as a home improvement contractor, he would not have faced legal repercussions. Despite Steins’ eventual exoneration in May 2024, the case raises significant questions about employer responsibilities and employee rights post-termination.
The charges against Steins involved employing an unregistered home improvement salesperson, a violation that he was unaware of until after his employment with Sunrun ended. This situation underscores potential gaps in regulatory communications and the impact such oversights can have on individuals’ lives.
This lawsuit, filed under the case number 3:24-cv-01423, Steins v. Sunrun, Inc. et al., is currently being overseen by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer. The legal proceedings are expected to not only resolve Steins’ grievances but also to clarify the obligations of employers under similar circumstances.
Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent regarding how employment terminations are handled concerning licensing notifications. The outcome could influence future employer compliance with state regulations, particularly in industries requiring professional licensing.
Additionally, this case highlights the delicate balance between protecting consumer rights and safeguarding employee rights within the regulatory frameworks that govern employment and licensure in various sectors.
Employment law professionals and regulatory agencies will be watching the case closely, as its resolution could prompt changes in how companies communicate with licensing boards and departments of consumer protection post-employment.
As the case progresses, both the legal community and business leaders are keen to understand its implications on corporate practices and regulatory compliance, potentially leading to more stringent policies that could avert similar legal disputes in the future.
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