Can I sue my previous employer for slander?
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Can I sue my previous employer for slander?
My husband and I stopped working at a company several months ago. In the time since the company got robbed. My husband is currently working at the town gas station and current and ex employees have come in on several occasions asking how we did it. We we’re informed by them that the managers have told the staff to avoid us not speak with us and that they are sure we robbed them.my old friends won’t speak to me anymore. People are convinced we committed this crime. We have good reputations here and this is causing a lot of issues. I’m 8 months pregnant and this is stressful.
Asked on December 1, 2016 under Personal Injury, Florida
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You and your husband can sue your former employer for defamation. Defamation is a false statement made with knowledge of its falsity communicated to a third person and the statement is injurious to your reputation.
If the defamatory statement is oral, it is slander.
If the defamatory statement is written, it is libel.
Every repetition of the defamatory statement is actionable in a lawsuit for defamation.
Your damages (monetary compensation in a lawsuit for defamation) would include emotional distress, loss of friends or associates, physical illness (if applicable).
You can also seek punitive damages (a substantial amount) to punish the intentional wrongful act of your former employer.
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