Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York
General
I am a Human Resource Manager in a prestigious well known Health Care Agency. I have a prominent position in this firm and have an outstanding reputation in my Professional as well as personel life. My involvement is with a man for 4 years going through a Divorce with a seperation of 8 years. Been there & did that myself. This ex is legally making statements that I am an alcoholic, with a drug addicted daughter with a criminal record, and mentioning my place of business and my position here. I find this degrading and not only a lie but a defamtion of character. What is my re-course. Sue, threaten Help
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: General
I received your post on 9-11-2000.
For defamation to exist the words must be published, and not be true, and cause you injury to your reputation. If you re-publish the remarks, then obviously there will be difficulty (so tell no one what has been said).
The easiest way in which to counter this is to write the person, advising them that such person will be personally sued by you,a nd be held personally liable, because these remarks are detrimental.
Any more specific advise requires a detailed recitationof the facts so that competent legal advise maybe rendered.
Good Luck. For further assistance, if the foregoing is insufficient, please contact me directly.
RRG
Re: General
Yes, it definitely sounds like slander. It might even rise to the level of "slander per se," when you don't need to prove special damages. I suggest if you plan to go forward with such a case, however, you get some clear proof, like if someone will tape him making the statements. Otherwise, it might turn into a "swearing match," and you have the burden of proof.
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