Defamation Is A False Statement. Truth Is A Defense
When an employer makes a false statement that defames an employee’s character, the employee may have the right to sue the employer for defamation. Defamation refers to publishing incorrect information about an individual, and coworkers, supervisors, or managers can make these statements. When you have suffered harm due to character defamation in the workplace, you need to contact a skilled attorney for help with your case. Workplace defamation can have a serious and long-lasting impact on your reputation, career advancement, and employment prospects. Our qualified and experienced Los Angeles employment defamation attorneys at JML Law will investigate your case immediately. Our goal is to prove the liability of other parties involved so we can obtain full compensation for the harm caused to your reputation.
What Is Defamation
Defamation, when related to the workplace, can be described as harm to a former or current employee’s character, reputation, or career directly caused by the actions or false statements of an employer or anyone representing the employer.
This typically happens after an employee has been terminated or has voluntarily resigned from their position and is searching for employment with another company. Many times, the reasons given for wrongful termination or discipline are false and used by managers to justify to superiors their decision to terminate an employee. These statements to seniors also rise to the level of defamation.
In California, defamation in the workplace typically occurs in one of two ways:
- Libel. Under California law, libel is defined as “a false and unprivileged publication” that is written, depicted, or captured in some way that it can be seen or read and exposes the subject to “hatred, contempt, (or) ridicule” or causes the subject “to be shunned or avoided” or injures their occupation.
- Slander. Under California law, slander is “a false and unprivileged publication” that is spoken and injures the subject regarding their profession or livelihood or connects it with criminal activity.
Protect Your Reputation And Career – Secure Appropriate Compensation
At JML Law, we know how much damage an act of defamation can cause to an employee. We represent Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Francisco, and California employees. Our attorney also knows how to uncover acts of defamation and pursue your claim to obtain compensation for damages. If your character, reputation, or career has suffered due to an act of defamation committed by your current or former employer, hire an experienced Defamation Attorney in Los Angeles to represent your best interests.
We will help you explore your options. Call JML Law at 818-610-8800 or email us to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
We won’t get paid if we cannot achieve a favorable outcome in your defamation case. Your case will be handled on a contingency fee basis.
What Type Of Compensation Can You Get After A Successful Defamation Case In Los Angeles
The victim of defamation can recover various types of damages if their case is successful. This can include the following:
- Financial losses suffered due to the defamation, including a loss of their property, business, profession, occupation, or trade. This is often calculated by looking at lost income or lost earning capacity.
- Compensation for losses that are harder to quantify, including shame, pain and suffering, and mortification experienced by the victim.
- Possible punitive damages against the person who was responsible for the defamation. For punitive damages to be awarded, the injury victim must show that the defendant acted fraudulently or with malice.
How Long Do You Have To File A Los Angeles Defamation Case Against An Employer
When we turn to the California Code of Civil Procedure section 340(c), we can see that the statute of limitations pertaining to defamation cases is one year. The year-long countdown “clock” begins ticking on the date on which the defamation first occurs. Even if the same defamatory statement is repeated or re-published, the one-year clock will not reset.
There are various ways in which the defamation “clock” can be extended, so please speak to an attorney at JML Law about your case as soon as possible. Failing to file a defamation case on time could result in the defamed person being unable to recover compensation for their losses.
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Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If are facing defamation in Los Angeles,
