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Ohio Libel & Slander Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Is it illegal for my ex to disclose my mental health information to his family in Ohio without my consent?

In Ohio, my ex has disclosed information about my mental health, including details about a suicide attempt, to his family without my consent, despite my explicit request over the past five years to keep such information confidential. This disclosure has exacerbated my anxiety, leading to more... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

What your ex did is deeply hurtful, and your reaction is completely understandable—especially given how seriously this has affected your mental and physical health. In Ohio, there are laws protecting the confidentiality of medical and mental health information, but they mostly apply to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Sexual Harassment and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Is a $400k-$530k demand reasonable for defamation and reputational harm in this case?

Is an out-of-court demand between $400,000 and $530,000 legally and ethically reasonable for reputational harm, retaliation, and emotional distress in the following case? I work as a chef for a restaurant that leases space inside a private athletic club. Recently, a person affiliated with the club... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2025

A demand in the range of \$400,000 to \$530,000 can be legally and ethically justifiable if the defamatory statement caused measurable reputational harm, impacted your earning capacity, and inflicted emotional distress. In defamation cases, the value hinges on how damaging the false statement was,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: If this is defamation, retaliation, reputational harm, is a out-of-court demand in the $400,000–$530,000 reasonable

I work for a restaurant that leases space inside a private athletic club. I’m not employed by the club itself. Recently, someone affiliated with the club accused me of leaving a gas oven on, implying I caused a dangerous leak — even though I shut everything down properly and closed early for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2025

A six-figure demand for reputational harm and emotional distress can feel high when the initial “injury” was a mistaken statement about an oven, but it isn’t automatically out of bounds if you can show real financial loss or lasting damage to your career.

Start by quantifying what... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Phlebotomist fired due to unproven threat allegation; seeking legal options.

I am a phlebotomist and recently worked at Adena in Jackson, Ohio. I was fired three days ago because my employer said a woman claimed I threatened to kidnap her child last month. No charges were pressed against me, and I never made such a threat. Is there anything I can do legally in response to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2025

You have every right to feel upset, especially when you’ve lost your job over a serious allegation with no proof and no criminal charges. In Ohio, most employment is at-will, meaning your employer can terminate you for nearly any reason—except for illegal discrimination or retaliation. However,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Internet Law and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Can I sue for videos airing personal drama on social media without my name?

I am considering legal action because my former best friend is posting videos on social media that air personal drama between us, even though these videos do not include my name. I've contacted the platform to remove the content, but they stated it does not violate their community guidelines.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this—it’s painful when someone you once trusted uses personal moments to embarrass or stir up drama online. Even if your name isn’t mentioned, it can still feel like a violation, especially when the people who know you can tell the videos are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Domestic Violence and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: How can I address harassment from my ex-wife's husband who is spreading false accusations in Ohio?

I was married for 8 years and divorced nearly 20 years ago. Recently, my ex-wife's husband began harassing me by calling me a "wife-beater" and posting defamatory comments about me on Facebook. He has also contacted my new girlfriend, spreading false accusations. While I have made... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

I'm sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation. In Ohio, you have options to protect yourself from harassment and false accusations. Since these actions involve defamatory statements and possible threats, you could consider documenting all instances—take screenshots of social... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Libel & Slander, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Is wrongful accusation of involuntary manslaughter aggravated menacing?

I have been wrongfully accused of involuntary manslaughter, which was mentioned in a police report related to an unrelated charge. The accusations were made both verbally and in writing. This situation has severely impacted my mental health, leading me to seek medication and therapy due to suicidal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2025

What you've experienced sounds incredibly painful and overwhelming, especially being accused of something as serious as involuntary manslaughter when the authorities have already ruled out foul play. That kind of false accusation—especially when it's made publicly or recorded in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: Can I sue Walmart for forced confession, distress, and reputation damage?

I was a former employee at Walmart, where I was accused of stealing and felt forced to write a confession under pressure, leading to my termination just before receiving a bonus. Despite visiting the store a couple of times post-termination to say goodbye to friends, I was warned against... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Your situation with Walmart involves several potential legal issues that merit exploration. You might have grounds for legal action based on the circumstances surrounding your forced confession, termination before bonus payment, and the subsequent treatment you've received when visiting the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: How can I legally compel a UK company to delete my compromised data and seek compensation?

I have been attempting to delete my profile and data from a UK-based company after my account was compromised, exposing my financial and personal information. The company has refused contact due to not providing "ample evidence for identification," although they never requested any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to request erasure of your personal data (known as the "right to be forgotten") by submitting a formal Subject Access Request to the company. Document all correspondence and send a final letter via recorded delivery clearly stating that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: Can I file a constructive discharge complaint in Ohio?

I am considering filing a complaint of constructive discharge against my former employer in Ohio due to a hostile work environment. I worked under these conditions for four months before leaving. The employer defamed me by alleging I was stealing, and they refused compensation after I sent a demand... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Yes, you can pursue a **constructive discharge complaint in Ohio**, but there are some important things to consider first. Constructive discharge means you were forced to quit because your working conditions were so intolerable that a reasonable person would have felt they had no choice. To move... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: Can I take legal action if someone falsely accused me of burglary and got her son to lie?

I was accused of burglary, and the case was dismissed because I didn't commit the crime. The person who accused me lied, and she made her underage son witness against me. Can I take legal action to get this person in trouble for lying?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

You may have the option to pursue legal action for defamation or malicious prosecution, especially if the false accusations led to harm to your reputation or caused you emotional distress. Since the case was dismissed, it suggests there was no merit to the allegations, but you would need to prove... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts, Landlord - Tenant and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: Can a friend legally dispose of my belongings left at their house?

I left my personal belongings, including clothes and other items, at a friend's house about 45-60 days ago. There was a verbal understanding that they would keep them for me temporarily. However, my friend is upset with me due to another friend slandering my name, and they have ignored my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Personal Property Bailment Analysis

Your situation constitutes what property law recognizes as a "gratuitous bailment" - a temporary transfer of possession without compensation where the bailee (your friend) remains obligated to exercise reasonable care over your belongings.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: Concerned about magistrate's perception in civil case involving restraining order and website dispute.

I am involved in a civil case where a former friend, who is a psychologist and ex-employee, obtained a temporary restraining order against me in Fairfield, Ohio, by not disclosing our past professional relationship. I, who have autism and ADHD, just had a hearing in Franklin, Ohio, where the... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Mar 4, 2025

There is not nearly enough here to give a strong analysis. You need to obtain competent counsel who can advise you on this situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Internet Law and Civil Rights for Ohio on
Q: Legally sealed information displayed online affecting me personally and professionally. How to remove it?

I have legally sealed information that a judge has granted, which is being displayed online and affecting my personal, professional, and financial life. Job recruiters and financial advisors have contacted me about this negative information. What steps can I take to have this information removed?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2025

When legally sealed information appears online despite a court order, you have several effective remedies to pursue. Your first step should be sending formal removal requests to the websites displaying this information, including copies of the court order sealing these records. Most reputable sites... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Ohio on
Q: What is the best defense against a slander lawsuit for whistleblowers in Ohio facing allegations from church pastors?

I am aware of a situation where the daughter of church pastors made allegations of sexual assault against her brother, and this has led to over 10 other women revealing similar under-aged sexual assault allegations. The cases are under investigation. Three whistleblowers went to social media to... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Mar 4, 2025

Ohio recently passed an anti-SLAPP statute, R.C. 2747.01, et seq, which can provide protection and a counterclaim for allegations of slander or defamation when the speech was protected speech.

The statute, R.C. 2747.01, et seq., “applies to a cause of action asserted in a civil action... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Probate and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: Assistance with death certificate fraud involving spouse's passing.

I am facing a situation involving potential death certificate fraud. After my husband passed away, I was not contacted by the hospital because his children informed them there was no living spouse. I suspect there may be two death certificates, as he was already at the funeral home before I was... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Feb 18, 2025

The idea of two (2) death certificates should be resolved fairly easily by requesting a certified copy of his death certificate from Vital Statistics.

As the surviving spouse you have rights to receive certain assets from the Estate. Any claim the children have should be addressed through... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Sexual Harassment for Ohio on
Q: I am seeking legal assistance for a serious issue involving the non-consensual sharing and threats to distribute photos

I recently sent a private photo to someone I trusted, and they shared it with another individual who is now threatening to post it publicly. This situation has caused me significant emotional distress, and I would like to take legal action against those involved under Ohio’s laws regarding... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2025

I understand how distressing and violating this situation must be for you, and I want you to know that you have legal options available in Ohio. You're taking the right steps by preserving evidence of the threats and communications.

Ohio law specifically criminalizes the non-consensual... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Internet Law, Libel & Slander and Sexual Harassment for Ohio on
Q: I am a victim of a recently attempted sextortion. Is there an attorney who I can talk to about next steps to take?

I met an anonymous person whose profile stated they were 28 years old on the online website Ashley Madison. I began chatting on the Signal App with the person, who I thought was in Amherst, Ohio. The person and I started a video call in which we both took off our clothes and were sending intimate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 7, 2025

I'm very sorry you're experiencing this frightening situation - sextortion is a serious crime and you've done the right thing by blocking contact and seeking help.

You should immediately file a report with your local police department and the FBI's Internet Crime... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Libel & Slander and Trademark for Ohio on
Q: Criticized a city logo for looking like a local business' trademarked logo. Will I be pursued for defamation?

City logo was designed by a city official in their freelance business. I stated that the city and designer should expect an injunction from the company with the trademarked logo. I was posting on social media as a concerned citizen. I stated that the level of carelessness in the logo could be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 3, 2024

Truth is generally the strongest defense against defamation claims, and expressing your honest opinion about potential trademark issues would likely be protected speech. Your comments appear focused on legitimate public concerns about government spending and potential legal risks to taxpayers,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Personal Injury, Intellectual Property and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: Can I send a cease and desist letter for defamation/ libel?

I recently watched a presentation of a marketing and sales coach who gave names of his clients as examples. I reached out to a client who was in a similar industry to me to both find out more about her offerings for my own life but also to learn more and gain insight from her sales process. The... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Aug 30, 2024

Your inquiry to the client who had been identified by the coach was perfectly reasonable and defensible, so the threat of retaliation was bluster. The threat to cause you harm is "actionable", that is, you could sue for it to get an injunction and possible money damages. So, challenging... View More

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