Legal Question in Employment Law in Illinois

Defamation of Character/Slander....Please help

Recently my husband was accused of sexual harassment in his place of empoyment. The complaint was filed by a lesbian, whom he assumed to be a "friend", the incident was unfounded and there was no form of discipline administered. However, it was stated if "it" happened again they would have to do something. Nothing happened this time, these were totaly false accusations. His reputation and his work file has been seriously marked. Before this he had a perfect work file and was very respected. He now works under a tremendous amount of pressure, fearing that she might make another false accusation causing him to lose his job. He questions if he should file a report regarding the conversations she has intiated in the past regarding her personal life and sexual experiences. She went as far as to show many personal pornographic pictures to him and other coworkers. He has worked for this company for seven years and worked very hard to earn his position, and the respect he once had. We have four children and cannot risk the loss of employment this could have or could cause in the future. Does he have grounds to sue her for Slander or Defamation of character?


Asked on 6/19/00, 10:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III

Re: Defamation of Character/Slander....Please help

Hello. A claim for slander

and/or liable can be filed

in the State of Illinois.

Generally, it must be filed

within 1 year of the

occurrence, otherwise it

will be barred by the

statute of limitations. In

my opinion, from the details

that you have desccribed,

your husband has a claim of

slander that he could file

in a civil lawsuit against

this lesbian co-worker. It

would be up to a judge or

jury to determine, by a

preponderance of the evidence,

as to whether your husband's

reputation has been damaged.

I hope this helps. Good

luck!

Read more
Answered on 8/29/00, 12:43 am


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