Q: can I sue a local paper for false information
Recently I received a citation for dumping out some Bloody Mary mix down the drain after I quit my job. It was my personal recipe and didn't want it duplicated. I was given a citation for theft and have to go to village hall. Few days later I was told by few customers at my new job that they saw my name under the title Bloody Mary mix lands woman in jail. This wasent true and embarrassing. What can I do? Can I sue the paper?
A: Yes, you can sue nearly anyone for nearly anything. The real question to ask is whether or not you will recover. In this instance, I understand it is embarrassing to be told you were in jail, when in fact you were not. However, unless the alleged slanderous statement was directed to the way in which you conduct your business, trade, or profession, you will need to be able to prove damages in order to recover. In order to prove damages, you must be able to prove specific economic loss directly and proximately caused by the defamatory statement. In the event you are able to prove the specific economic loss, that economic loss will have to be high enough to justify expending the time, money, and stress involved with filing a lawsuit.
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