Three lawyers from McCarter & English—David X. Sullivan, Thomas J. Finn, and Gregory A. Hall—have represented Sunrun Installation Services in a civil rights lawsuit currently making its way through the Connecticut District Court. The complaint, lodged on September 4 by attorney Robert M. Berke, concerns former employee George Edward Steins, who faces charges related to the use of an unregistered home improvement salesperson.
Steins contends that had Sunrun promptly communicated to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection that his employment had ceased in 2017, and that he no longer possessed the necessary home improvement contractor license, he would not have been subjected to these charges, which were ultimately dismissed in May 2024. The case is under the jurisdiction of U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer and is cataloged as case number 3:24-cv-01423, titled Steins v. Sunrun, Inc. et al.
This case highlights the complexities of employer-employee communication regarding licenses and legal obligations. Prompt reporting by companies can have significant implications for their former employees’ legal standing. As legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial to observe how this situation impacts workplace policies and responsibilities regarding proper communication related to licensing and employment statuses.
It is hopeful that this case may lead to clearer guidelines and stronger protections for employees in similar situations, ensuring that others are not put in precarious legal positions due to delays in communication by their employers. Moreover, the resolution may shed light on practices that could help prevent similar disputes in the future.