Defamation (Libel & Slander)

Merrick Law Firm LLC represents employees and independent contractors in defamation actions. Under the common law of virtually all states, an individual has a legal cause of action against someone who makes false statements that cause damage to that individual’s reputation. Defamatory statements may be made in writing (libel) or spoken (slander).

In the employment context, a common defamation fact pattern involves a current or former employer or supervisor who makes false and damaging statements about an employee to a prospective employer, the so-called bad reference problem. Other cases involve a supervisor who makes false and damaging statements about an employee to the employee’s customers or clients. Significantly, an employee may even assert a defamation claim against a supervisor who makes false and damaging statements about an employee to other supervisors or managers within the company. Even false statements in a performance evaluation can be the basis of a defamation claim.

If you believe your reputation has been harmed by false statements made by your employer, you may have a valid defamation claim against both the employer and the manager who made the false statement. Contact us online or call us to discuss your rights.