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Employment Discrimination Lawyers Protecting Employees Against Employers Spreading False Statements for Over 25 Years
Defamation, libel, and slander occur when a person makes patently false statements about another person. When it comes to employment, it is perfectly legal for an employer to provide a reference about your work product to a potential new employer. It is legal for this answer to be truthful and detailed. However, it is not legal for this information to be blatantly false with the intention to prevent you from getting the job.
When your employer spreads false statements in an act of defamation, libel, or slander, you have the right to fight back against the behavior. You have the right to stand up for yourself. You deserve an attorney who will advocate for you and negotiate for your rights on your behalf.
Defamation can be libel or slander. Defamation is when an employer intentionally makes false statements about a current or past employee to harm the employee. Libel is when these false statements are written. For instance, an email laced with lies about you as an employee may be libel.
Slander, on the other hand, is a false verbal statement. For instance, if your past employer called your new employer and provided a false account of your work product, this may be slander.
To determine whether your case relates to libel or slander, contact an employment lawyer. Your lawyer can listen to your claim’s details and help you develop your complaint under the laws provided.
Defamation is not easy to prove. However, the laws have given guidelines regarding defamation. You must be able to prove all the following to prove your case:
The statement must be false and a statement of fact. An opinion or a true statement cannot be cause for defamation. An employer is permitted to say something true or provide what is clearly an opinion, even if it prevents you from getting a job.
Another element is that the employer must not believe the statement is true. He could make a false statement but truly believe it is true. If that is the case, it is unlikely you will have a defamation claim.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) was enacted in 1994. Its sole purpose is to prohibit employers from refusing employment to veterans and active military personnel. Under USERRA, veterans and active military personnel qualify for employment protection under the following circumstances:
If you meet these conditions, you are entitled to the following:
This law also protects veterans and active military members from harassment and discrimination based on military status.
Defamation of character can appear in several different forms. Some examples of defamation may include the following:
There are two types of defenses to defamation:
Absolute privilege. This defense applies when the statement relates to a legal proceeding, for government officials acting in accordance with their employment, or a compelled publication or broadcast.
Qualified privilege. This defense takes into account good-faith statements. If the statement is made in good faith and no harm was intended, this defense can apply.
When you work with a dedicated employment lawyer, they will anticipate these defenses from your employer. They will work with you to help ensure they can fight back against these defenses and help your case move forward.
Defamation per se occurs when a false statement is made, and it can be assumed it will cause harm, even if it does not. You can consider the following statements defamation per se:
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It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial
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A performance review is mostly opinion. In it, an employer will state their opinion of your demeanor at work, your work product, and the ability to produce as expected. Most of the time, these statements are not defamatory because they are stated as an opinion and made in good faith.
However, if an employer makes a statement of fact on your review intended to cause harm, it may be a case of defamation. An employer who falsely claims you stole, lied, were completely incompetent, or harmed the company in any illegal way can be trying to give cause to get you fired from work or demoted in an act of retaliation. Yet, if these statements are false, you may have a libel case.
You can file a defamation of character lawsuit in state courts. State laws prohibit defamation at work and beyond. Because the laws vary by state, employees may have a time limit of 180 days to several years to file their claims.
You should consult an employment attorney well-versed in defamation at work lawsuits to help you determine how, where, and when to file your lawsuit for defamation, libel, or slander in the workplace.
Our experienced legal team provides reliable services in key U.S. cities, ensuring expert assistance for workplace discrimination and employment law matters wherever you are located.