QUESTION
Can I sue for defamation of character? How?
Asked on Jan 15th, 2014 on Litigation - Washington
More details to this question:
I am a cashier at a fast-food restaurant. Tonight at work it came to my attention, via another co-worker, that a co-worker had had $40 stolen from them and that I was the one being accused. By that co-worker and my boss. Others, while working, heard these false statements of theft being verbalized. But my boss never came to me about it, nor did the co-worker who was stolen from.
8 ANSWERS
John J. Carney
You cannot sue because you have not lost any money and have no money damages. Not everything that happens in life that you do not like becomes a civil lawsuit. You need to have sustained a loss of money from their false accusations.
Answered on Jan 24th, 2014 at 5:56 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
at
Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
Update Your Profile
You hire a lawyer. accusation of a crime is defamation per se but fat chance collecting a judgment against the trashy kind of people who would do such a thing. Where do you think they will get the money to pay a judgment?
Answered on Jan 17th, 2014 at 2:40 PM
James Eugene Hasser
It's possible you could sue for slander, but what would your damages be? You may want to consider talking to a personal injury lawyer familiar with libel and slander cases, though.
Answered on Jan 17th, 2014 at 2:39 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
Well you could possibly sue them for libel and slander.
Answered on Jan 17th, 2014 at 2:39 PM
Yes, you may sue, but you must prove actual damages, not wounded feelings. You are not likely to win much, perhaps $1. You go to court and file a suit. I do not recommend that you do that without an attorney.
Answered on Jan 16th, 2014 at 5:51 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
at
Peters Law, PLLC
Update Your Profile
Not for $40, no. It isn't worth it.
Answered on Jan 16th, 2014 at 5:51 PM
James Edward Smith
Work defamation is privileged. So no.
Answered on Jan 16th, 2014 at 5:51 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Kent, WA
at
Law Offices of Wayne J. Wimer, Inc. P.S.
Update Your Profile
You can sue for slander (false oral statements) or if something was written that was false (libel). Truth is a defense to libel and slander, so if you sue and the trier of fact finds in your favor, you win. If the trier of fact determines that your accusers were telling the truth, you lose.
Answered on Jan 16th, 2014 at 5:50 PM