Retirement stipend promise

[Treowe]

What is the name of your state: NY
I managed a successful dental practice for 27 years, during which time the owner retired to Florida leaving me in charge of all employees, including the practicing dentist. Many times during these years I was told that one day when the owner decided to sell the practice, I would be 'taken care of'. I was never given anything substantive in writing, but I trusted this person and took him at his word. When he did finally put the practice up for sale, he reiterated the promise, telling me that I should keep the practice busy as it would be better for us all if he got a higher price for the practice. The practice sold rather quickly, and I stayed on with the new dentist who kept me for 6 weeks and then fired me.
I received one check from my old boss for $1500, with him telling me that more would be coming dependant on my collections of his outstanding a/r accounts, which he expected me to collect while working for the new Dentist. Now, after being fired, and unable to collect further a/r, I have asked if I will be 'taken care of' as promised, and he isn't responding.
Do I have any legal recourse in this situation? I am just sick to think I was taken advantage of after all these years.

 

[mlane58]

You can certainly consult with a local attorney, but since you have nothing in writing (Contract, etc...) you are probably out of luck.

 

[Treowe]

I guess in this case, I am the bug. I have no faith in people keeping their word anymore.
Sad to see over a quarter century as a loyal employee being disregarded like that.

 

[Betty]

That's too bad but when you don't have anything in writing, it's hard to prove.

 

[Zigner]

With all due respect to the previous two posters, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that, even if our OP had a "contract" that stated he would be "taken care of", it wouldn't be worth anything. "Taken care of" is way too vague to be enforced for any monetary award...

 

[Betty]

I didn't mean & I assume mlane58 didn't either that the "in writing" (contract) would just say "you'll be taken care of" but would spell other more definite info re what employee could expect to receive.

 

[Zigner]

I didn't mean & I assume mlane58 didn't either that the "in writing" (contract) would just say "you'll be taken care of" but would spell other more definite info re what employee could expect to receive.

Of course - and to you (and MLane), my apologies for implying as such.

 

[Betty]

A back to you.

 

[Treowe]

Thanks for the input.
I guess I should be happy I didn't work for Tony Soprano...when he tells you you'll 'be taken care of' it's a whole 'nother thing.

 

[moburkes]

Thanks for the input.
I guess I should be happy I didn't work for Tony Soprano...when he tells you you'll 'be taken care of' it's a whole 'nother thing.

Good attitude.
Zig is right. Your doctor's idea of taken care of would obviously differ from yours. If he provided you with $100/month for the rest of your life, that probably wouldn't have been what you had in mind.