Cedar Rapids, IA asked in Libel & Slander for Iowa

Q: is it wise to attempt a slander suit on my own?

I am an in-home caregiver and the daughter of a client has made exaggerated and false statements to my office regarding how I provided care for her mother resulting in a written warning

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1 Lawyer Answer
Harley C. Erbe
Harley C. Erbe
Answered
  • Des Moines, IA
  • Licensed in Iowa

A: It's never a good idea to handle anything but a small claims case without a lawyer. Also, defamation cases are difficult to win, particularly when the statements at issue will be defended as statements of opinion. Opinions are protected under the First Amendment; they usually cannot form the basis of a defamation claim. You also have to consider who you're suing. If you do get a judgment, will this person be able to pay it?

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