Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Louisiana

Defamation of Character in the workplace

I am over loss prevention in my retail store. The nature of my job is very threatning to most people. A district manager came into to my store and called a meeting of associates together. During this meeting according a few that were present, my name was slandered and I was called a racist and was said that I discriminate against all of the African American associates in my store. Since then, I have been approached by 12 different associates all whom were not in the meeting, and asked me why I am a racist and why do I hate black people. The district manager that caused this and allowed this to take place did not and has not done anything to stop this false accusation. A hostile work environment has been created and I can no longer effectively do my job. Would this fall under RS 14:47 in Louisiana Statutes as Defamation of Character? Please help.


Asked on 4/04/09, 7:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Adam Lambert The Law Office of Adam S. Lambert

Re: Defamation of Character in the workplace

It may be defamatory, but you cannot bring a claim under Title 14. Title 14 is the title for criminal statutes and only the state may bring criminal charges.

There is a civil cause of action for defamation. It requires a false statement made or published by someone to another person about you that caused you damage.

You may have a problem with damages. Unless you can show some concrete harm, loss of money, loss of job opportunity, etc., your damages may be what we call de minimus, or to put it plainly not worth the cost and effort of filing suit.

If what you really want is vindication and you feel you may have a problem proving damages, you may want to consider bringing a small claims suit in your local Justice of the Peace Court or City Court. You don't need a lawyer and the process is pretty easy, but you are limited to a maximum of $3,000.00 in damages.

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Answered on 4/04/09, 7:25 pm


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