Can I file a defamation of character suit for being accused of being racist and it spreading around the company?
Question Details:
I have recently been accused of being a racist by two possibly disgruntled temporary employees who were moved to a lower paying position because of their work ability. I am a supervisor at a manufacturing company. An email was sent by their new supervisor to the plant manager, who in turn sent it to his supervisor, my supervisor, and the head of HR. I was suspended while they do an investigation into the incident and are interviewing people, some of whom I do not speak with. What type of lawyer would I need?
To be able to file a defamation suit, the content would have to be false. If it's a matter of opinion, it is not actionable. You would also have to prove damages.
There may be surrounding circumstance that would have a cause of action, and depending on your company you might have other options (for example, if you ahve a union).
