Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

A co-worker of mine was recently fired from her job. She has been in trouble 4 times this year for poor job performance (not following company procedures) and the 4th time was fired. She worked the overnight shift, I was her relief on dayshift. Yesterday I discovered that she posted on her facebook page that I was the cause of her problems because I was a "liar and a backstabber". At no point did I ever lie about this woman or stab her in the back, she was fired for her own mistakes, I never said a word to managment about her. She named me in her posting (first name only, but on others with that name in here) and several other people who still work for this company would have seen it. I would like to know if this would constitute libel and could I take legal action against her?


Asked on 9/30/10, 5:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

In Maryland, to prove libel, you must generally show: (i) that the defendant made a false statement, (ii) the statement was "published", meaning that other folks read the statement, and (iii) that the false statement directly caused you some sort of damage (money, reputation, etc.). A lawsuit for libel must be brought within 1 year, so the clock is ticking.

I STRONGLY recommend that you hire a Maryland attorney to discuss the specific facts and merits of your case PRIOR to proceeding with a lawsuit.

Best of luck.******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*******

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Answered on 10/05/10, 10:20 am


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