Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Texas

I was recently let go from my job for what they told me was job performance I was a bartender and my sales weren't what they wanted them to be. I was fine with that and if they felt that way I can accept that. Since being let go my former co workers and customers have come to me and told me that my former employer is going around and saying that the reason I was fired was because I was stealing from the register. This was the first I had heard of this, they never accused or asked me and didn't tell me that was the reason I was let go. I live in a small community and this word has traveled fast and now I cannot find another job. I know of at least one job 100% that I didn't get because of this lie that he is spreading. He has totally ruined my good standing in my community and because of this I have been uneployed for almost two month. Is it legal for him to do that, is there anything that I can do about it?


Asked on 8/03/12, 4:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Megan Cook Cook & Cook Law Firm, PLLC

You should sue your employer for slander. A Person may not lie about another person regarding a fact that can be proven or disproven. Your employer has the right to freely state negative opinions about you, but cannot lie about an event occurring that did not occur. It is particularly egregious that you employer had told other that you were stealing, which of course deters other job prospects. You should talk to a slander attorney (or personal injury lawyer that has experience in slander suits), and you should start getting witness names and contact information now. The most difficult part of your case will be proving that your employer lied in this matter. Try to get witnesses to write sworn affidavits (or better yet, get the employer recorded while saying the slanderous statement). Absolutely, do not allow that behavior to continue.

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Answered on 8/05/12, 7:58 pm


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