How To Deal With Defamation In The Workplace By Dan Atkerson on July 13, 2015

Hard business decision

Defamation in the workplace happens when an individual publishes a false statement that harms the reputation of another person. Written defamation is called libel, whereas spoken defamation is known as slander. A person may be defamed by words or conduct if it displays a defamatory message.

A negative or slanderous statement is not defamatory if it is said to a person’s face or under one’s breath. For instance, a co-worker can’t charge an individual with defamation if that individual berated them in the parking lot and no one witnessed the incident. However, if everyone in the office is told false information about a co-worker, that co-worker can sue if he or she can prove it damaged his or her ability to earn a living. True statements are not considered libelous or slanderous.

Defamation issues can come up in the workplace if an employer defames an employee to create an excuse to fire him or her. This can also bring up a wrongful termination claim.

In taking an employer to court for defamation, the plaintiff must be prepared to prove the allegations. It’s important to have witnesses and a copy of the publication or email in which the defamatory statement was made to show how the actions caused harm and whether it led to a lost job or reputation within one’s industry.

To prove defamation, a plaintiff needs to show:

  • The statement reflected poorly on the plaintiff’s reputation
  • The statement inexplicitly referenced the plaintiff
  • The statement was communicated to a third-party
  • The statement actually damaged the plaintiff’s reputation
  • The statement was false
With more than 30 years of experience upholding the rights of individuals harmed by the actions of their employers, our Dallas defamation lawyer is dedicated to gaining the largest recovery allowed under the law for slander and libel. Contact Dallas employment attorney Dan A. Atkerson to learn how he may be able to assist you in your defamation claim.

Atkerson Law – Dallas Employment Law Attorney

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Dan Atkerson

Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson

Dan A. Atkerson has been protecting the rights of North Texas employees for over nearly four decades. He is affiliated with several prestigious legal organizations, including: 

  • The State Bar of Texas
  • The Dallas Bar Association
  • The United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit
  • Texas Supreme Court and all Texas trial and appellate courts
  • Texas federal courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas

Through aggressive, knowledgeable representation, he has helped clients all over the state reach significant verdicts and settlements. To schedule a consultation at our law firm, request an appointment online or call us at (214) 383-3606.

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