Kansas City, KS asked in Libel & Slander for Kansas

Q: Defamation of Character.

I am retired from a ice machine Co. I was told by a former colleague that someone in dispatch was telling customers that requested me to work on their equipment that I was fired. I had not received any termination letter. I had received a retirement card signed by fellow workers and a gift card. Had worked for the co for 19.5 years.

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1 Lawyer Answer
David Adams
PREMIUM
David Adams
Answered
  • Olathe, KS
  • Licensed in Kansas

A: Probably more facts are needed before a good answer can be given. How many times has this been said to customers? Are they saying anything more specific about you, and being fired? What else are they saying about you? Has this affected your good name in the community where you live? Has it affected your ability to get other employment? Usually for a libel or slander there would be an imputation of something criminal or great moral turpitude, but implicating you were fired might be actionable if it was done to impact your ability to work as a competitor.

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