Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Defamation of character by former employees

This is a rather involved story, but the essence of it is, I resigned my job after 15 years and then to go back to it and could not hired back. I recently found out from a shop steward at that job that several employees had filed harrassment charges against me, writing letters and sending to the Human Resources Department and to the Union. I never knew about these letters and found by talking to him. I contacted Labor Relations there and they keep putting me off, saying they'll call me back but they never do. I feel my character has been defamed and I have not had a chance to defend myself. What is my legal recourse at this point?


Asked on 1/29/09, 4:05 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Defamation of character by former employees

You probably don't have any recourse, provided that the reports were made only to officers, employees and representatives of the company and of the union. Such reports are privileged (in particular, they fall within the "common interest" privilege) and cannot support a judgment for defamation.

This privilege exists because, without it, people who have legitimate grievances would be deterred from bringing them to the appropriate persons within their organizations.

I'm sorry I can't be more encouraging.

Read more
Answered on 1/29/09, 5:02 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in California