Oklahoma City, OK asked in Employment Law, Libel & Slander and Small Claims for Missouri

Q: Can I sue my ex-employer for falsely accusing of theft with in investigative before I was fired and then threaten me

To pay back money that was not stolen from them and had me come in after I was fired to train someone to use computer I have emails were they say I stoled from them with I didn’t, I have proof. Can I sue for defamation of character I had 10yr with them with never one issue

1 Lawyer Answer
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Answered
  • Chesterfield, MO
  • Licensed in Missouri

A: Defamation cases are tough and expensive in Missouri. If your employer merely sent false emails to you and terminated your employment because it believed you committed theft, then you don't have a basis for a defamation suit in Missouri. Defamation requires publication of the false statement to a third party and damages resulting. You've not articulated that the employer communicated the false statement to a third party and that you suffered damages from the third party's believing he false statement. If you performed work after being terminated and were not paid for such work you may be able to assert a claim for unpaid wages. If it makes financial sense to you, hire an attorney to provide a legal consultation and to assess your situation in detail.

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