Q: Hello. I have a question concerning a possible libel lawsuit against a medical center for filing a false allegation...
I was recently employed as a residential counselor for troubled youth (juvenile delinquents, NYS PINS, abuse/neglect victims) and was escorting a youth to the local medical center's psychiatric evaluation department, when he became irate and assaulted me. I filed a report with the med. center's in-house police (who told me they viewed the video and could clearly see the attack) and did not press charges. The psychiatric eval center proceeded to file a false allegation of child abuse on a person with special needs (through NYS DCFS) and put me under investigation. They also refused to release the videotape to both my employer and the DCFS investigator. I have not heard anything since being interviewed by the investigator but still feel wronged and embarrassed by the false allegation. Does this sound like grounds for a libel lawsuit?
A: Indeed, that does sound like defamation and possibly perjury if the allegation was made under oath. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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