Q: My direct boss knowingly sent false information about me to higher ups upon my resignation, is this grounds for libel?
I was part of what I would describe as a hostile work environment and after numerous documented complaints of being mistreated I eventually resigned. As such I sent a respectful letter of my resignation via email to my direct mgr. and hr. In response to this my direct boss sent an email to 5 higher ups in the company and knowingly made false allegations against me including that I lied as an employee, did not follow basic protocols, and gave no effort in my time with the company. There is no documented proof of his false claims nor have I ever been reprimanded. Is this grounds for Libel?
A: It does sound that you do have a case for libel; however, on the other hand, what are your damages? If these communications prevents you from finding another job, your case becomes stronger. On surface, the cost and time of any litigation may not justify pursing this matter.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.