Workplace conflicts are common occurrences in New York. Resolution is quick, and the parties involved move past them. However, in some instances, hostility escalates into a significant problem. If you must deal with another employee making statements that can ruin your reputation, remaining calm and productive at work can be challenging. At Luibrand Law Firm, PLLC, we often represent clients in defamation suits.
Chron reports that in civil law, not all negative statements are defamation of character. They must have the following four specific characteristics:
- Published
- Unprivileged
- Injurious
- False
In these circumstances, published means that someone other than you and the speaker must hear the false statement. If the conversation occurs between the two of you and no one else is present, it is not deemed defamatory.
Privileged statements are those made during testimony in a court of law. In this situation, they are exempt from defamation, even if untrue. Unprivileged statements occur outside of legal proceedings. When false statements harm your reputation and potentially affect your professional progress, they are defamatory.
One of the primary criteria is that the statements made about you must be untrue. Even if all other conditions exist, they are not defamatory if they are true.
Negativity is contagious. When left unaddressed, it can harm the morale and performance of you and your coworkers. If negative statements about you have moved beyond simple rumor to libel and slander, an attorney can help you determine whether you have grounds for a suit and how best to proceed. Visit our webpage for more information on this topic.
