Q: Can I sue my previous employer for defamation of character, harassment, and bullying?
My former employer has posted on Facebook that I’ve stolen money from them with no evidence, no proof, no charges filed, and no police investigation of any type. They posted on Facebook and asked the members of the community to come forward if I have done any work in their vehicles and have them pay me directly with no contract being signed. Furthermore, they fired me while owing me $40,000 and salary and bonus.
A: You should schedule a consultation with a Missouri attorney. Defamation cases are tough in Missouri. To succeed, you’d need to prove that the statement was not only false and not privileged, but also that you suffered actual damage as a result. The unpaid wages is a separate issue. $40k is a lot of money. Missouri has an unpaid wages statute that could allow recovery not only the wages due, but accruing wages for up to 60 days. Call an experienced attorney.
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