What recourse do I have against someone who came into my workplace and disclosed information about our court case to my co-workers and slandered me?
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What recourse do I have against someone who came into my workplace and disclosed information about our court case to my co-workers and slandered me?
I was sued but not served. The claimant tracked me down via google I assume (because I never gave him my work or home address) and came to my place of work and began disclosing details of our court case and money he believes I owe him to my co-workers. I was not present but learned of this upon returning to the office. In addition, he mislead my co-workers to believing that we were romantically involved when they know I was married.
Asked on June 24, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, New York
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If someone publically (which includes to your co-workers) made untrue factual statements about you which could damage your reputation, he may have defamed you; if you think that's the case, speak with a personal injury attorney to discuss the matter in detail and evaluate whether you have a worthwhile cause of action.
It is not illegal to disclose information about a lawsuit or court case, unless the person violated a court order or confidentiality agreement to do so. It is also not illegal or actionable to release or disclose true information about you, even if harmful, or to make negative statements if they are opinions (e.g. it's legal to say, "I think John/Jane Doe cheated me," since that is an opinion).
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