Workplace Defamation, Libel, Slander and Invasion of Privacy
While each state has different versions of the law, generally defamation protects individuals from others making false statements, either written or verbal, which hurt their reputations.
This cause of action is applicable to the employment setting and can occur when a current employer makes false and harmful statements to an employee’s coworkers, colleagues or supervisors or when a former employer makes false and harmful statements to a prospective employer or even to an employee’s clients. To prove defamation, courts require an employee to show that these false statements were made public and, in some cases, that the individual actually suffered damages as a result.
Invasion of privacy has a unique place in the employment context, as oftentimes employers regulate and monitor employees’ email, phone use and Internet activity. A number of legal claims – including Intrusion Upon Seclusion, False Light, Appropriation and Publication of Private Facts – help to ensure that employees have a right to reasonable privacy in the workplace.
Case + Sedey, LLC is experienced in and capable of handling matters in which employers overstep their rights and invade employee’s privacy rights, in addition to assisting employees in identifying and bringing defamation claims against their employers.
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