Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

can i sue for defamation

i used to work for a company, when they fired me, I stared my own business and when they found out they sent letter to several companies i was gonna do business with saying that i stoled inf. about and that i've used their name to my personal gain, they also ask them to please not do buisness with me and disregard any request on my behalf. because of that i've lost several companies and other didn't gave me the appointment to work with them. can i sue for defamation? they're also talking directly with some of my partners to tell them not to do business with me anymore and that they would do more business with them. can i sue?


Asked on 5/31/09, 8:54 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: can i sue for defamation

If it's not true, you can sue. If you do, then it's likely your former employer would then cross-complain against you for theft of its information and trade secrets, etc. This is not the kind of thing you should do without an attorney, however.

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Answered on 5/31/09, 9:35 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: can i sue for defamation

Mr. Cohen is right that it will be messy and possibly involve a countersuit. But it's either that or knuckle under. Keep careful records and diaries of the potential customers you've lost. The attorney you retain will write them and tell them to stop, and will probably then follow it up with a lawsuit. Watch out for legal time limits. I'd love to see a copy of the letter they've been sending out. Your lawsuit would not only be for defamation but also for tortious interference with business relationships.

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Answered on 5/31/09, 10:00 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: can i sue for defamation

Anybody can sue anybody, for anything. Your allegations may justify suit for interference with business, if you can prove what you allege. You will also need to deal with any claims they may make against you for violation of their confidential info and customer lists. If serious about taking action, feel free to contact me to discuss your facts, evidence, etc.

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Answered on 6/01/09, 1:20 pm


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