Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Neighbor's False Statements Are Harming Our Daughter

For several years a neighbor (a woman in her late 40's or early 50's) has been spreading false information about our 12 year old daughter in an attempt to turn friends against her and in general ruin her reputation. We have witnesses who would testify regarding these false statements. We really have no idea why she is doing this. My wife confronted her about her actions and demanded that she stop, but to no avail. Lately the neighbor has been spreading these rumors more frequently, and what she has been saying has become increasingly more vicious and harmful. My wife and I are very concerned that this woman's extremely irrational behavior could lead to violence against our daughter. What legal actions can we possibly seek to take against this woman to coerce her to stop making these false statements and to protect our daughter against possible physical harm?


Asked on 3/08/00, 10:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Neighbor's False Statements Are Harming Our Daughter

You could bring a lawsuit against her for slander. You would have to prove that she knew the falsity of the statements she is making against your daughter and acted with malice. You can sue for compensatory damages, which require proof of harm to your daughter, and also for punitive damages.

Such a suit would require some expenditure on your part, especially since it's unlikely that a lawyer will be willing to handle it on a contingency fee basis (where the lawyer accepts a percentage of what he/she gets for you be way of monetary damages). This is because it would be difficult to collect a judgment against this lady unless she happens to be wealthy or has readily available assets to recover against if your case is successful.

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Answered on 3/22/00, 3:56 pm


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