If y downstairs neighbor called my landlord and told him that she heard that I was shooting heroin, which is completely untrue, can I sue her?
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If y downstairs neighbor called my landlord and told him that she heard that I was shooting heroin, which is completely untrue, can I sue her?
Can I sue for defamation of character?
Asked on May 9, 2014 under Personal Injury, Pennsylvania
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You can sue your neighbor for defamation. Defamation is a false statement made with knowledge of its falsity to a third person who recognizes the defamatory content and the statement is injurious to your reputation.
Libel is written defamation.
Slander is spoken defamation. Since using heroin is a crime, the statement is clearly defamatory and you can recover damages (monetary compensation in your lawsuit for defamation). Your damages would include compensation for emotional distress, loss of friends and associates, and if applicable, medical treatment for the emotional distress, and wage loss.
Your lawsuit for defamation must be filed prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or you will lose your rights forever in the matter.
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