Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Alabama

Slander

I'm in sales and one of my customers called my office and told a bunch of lies about me to my boss. I believe the motivation was jealousy. I denied the charges but I feel like now that I am being put on the short list when it comes time to let someone go here. What are my options? I have been told by my boss not to contact this person. Can a lawyer write a cease and desist letter or what would you suggest? I could lose my job over this.


Asked on 11/02/05, 4:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Sterling DeRamus Sterling L. DeRamus, Attorney at Law

Re: Slander

These are very difficult cases, but occasionally they can result in huge verdicts. First it depends on what this individual said to your boss exactly. If what he accused you of doing is a felony under Alabama law (such as theft), then it is slander per se - and if a lie he is liable regardless of whether you lose any money over it or not. The same is true if it was something sexual about you.

If it was not sexual or a felony, then you have to get fired first (or otherwise have specific out of pocket losses) to pursue a case. This happens in the employment context quite frequently. It can also get your employer in trouble if he repeats it to someone from whom you are seeking employment.

A strong point to consider is whether the individual who told the lies is worth suing, or better yet that he was acting on behalf of his company at the time so that insurance or other monies would be available to pay a large damage award.

There's a variety of issues to be looked at and I'd be happy to talk to you some if you can send me an email at [email protected] .

Thank you.

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Answered on 11/02/05, 4:47 pm


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