Can you sue a business for falsely accusing you of something you didn't do in front of others? Mistaken for someone else

Question

I was checking out at a store and the employee and manager accused me of throwing things at her when she wouldn't sell me something. She asked me not to return to the store. This was done in front of other customers as well. I tried telling them I didn't know what they were talking about and she needed to think hard because it was not me. She said she was positive It was me. I was embarrassed and got in my truck and could only cry. I was so upset because I visit this store probably 5 times a week almost every day. Well it 110 % was not me. I called corporate and asked to speak with General manager or someone over the manager from that store. They took my name number and basically said they couldn't give out that information. And I wouldn't be able to speak to anyone. HE took my name and number and gave me a reference number and that was all. I waited a few days Noone called. Went to different store and got # for district manager. Several days passed still haven't heard from her.

Tim Akpinar · Answer

A South Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Technically, one could sue if they suffered harm as a result of a false statement. The legal theory is defamation. But from a practical standpoint, it could be difficult to find a law firm to handle something like this on a contingency basis. And you probably don't want to pay hourly legal fees to pursue something with an uncertain outcome. You could reach out to local attorneys to try to arrange a free initial consult - you could try to find out if they see things differently. Good luck

Q: Can you sue a business for falsely accusing you of something you didn't do in front of others? Mistaken for someone else