Legal Question in Personal Injury in Maryland

What does it take to prove slander when it occurs between neighbors? My husband has been subjected to oral and written slanderous and hurtful accusations by 2 of our neighbors to a 3rd party (another neighbor). We were not even aware of the incidents he was being accused of until the 3rd party brought it to our attention. I did not pay an enourmous amount for our house to move into a neighborhood that encourages a hostile and hurtful environment for my family. We feel like we can't even go outside at this point, for fear of sparking another round of vicious rumors and lies.


Asked on 8/19/10, 4:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

"Slander" is spoken and "Libel" is written.

In Maryland, to prove slander of libel, you will need to show: (i) utterance of a false statement, (ii) publication (did someone else hear it? If so, the statement was "published"), (iii) malicious intent, and (iv) causation and damages (you must have damages and the utterance of the false statement must be the proximate cause of those damages). Damages may include damaged reputation in the community if you can put a dollar value on it.

I recommend that you consult a Maryland litigator who has experience in defamation actions to discuss your options. He may start with a "cease and desist" letter to the neighbors in the hope that will stop the harassment. If not, the court may be your only solution. Best of luck.******The above does not establish an attorney-client relationship and instead is for informational purposes only.******

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Answered on 8/24/10, 4:36 pm


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