Many people lie. Some lies may not be very damaging (such as white lies) while others are more serious.
But not every lie can get you in trouble with the law. However, when someone makes a false accusation against you with the intent of getting you in trouble, that’s when they’ve crossed a line. When someone makes malicious accusations about you at a workplace, they could be charged with a crime.
If you’ve been a victim of malicious accusations at work, here’s how to deal with it:
Try Your Best to Remain Calm
One of the first things you should do is remain calm. Malicious accusations can be hurtful and upsetting, but it’s best to try and remain calm in these situations. Don’t take it personally and avoid saying anything you might later regret. People say things out of anger that they might not really mean but could be used against them in court.
Your employer’s job is to investigate the situation to find the truth. If you feel that you haven’t been given a fair investigation or if your situation hasn’t improved, seek professional legal advice as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your employment rights and help explain your legal options.
Review the Company Policy
Check your company’s handbook and review the company policy regarding false accusations. Often, there are certain procedures that your employer follows to address these types of issues.
Gather Evidence
Malicious accusations at work can cause serious damage and should not be tolerated. You’ll need as much evidence as possible to prove your innocence.
After an accusation, your employer may ask you to gather evidence such as emails or other correspondence regarding the incident. Be sure to collect as much information as possible so you can support your case.
Defamation Law in California
Defamation is the word that describes communication that is false and harms another person. The two types of defamation are written (libel) and slander (verbal). Both types of defamation are illegal in the state of California.
In California, you have one year to file a defamation lawsuit. The time starts on the date that the defamatory statement was initially made.
Defamation Per Se
In some cases, the defamatory statement is so damaging that the victim is entitled to sue the other party without having to prove actual damage.
“Per se” is a Latin term that means “of itself”. Under California law, defamation per se consists of any statement that is damaging on its face without further explanation.
For example, a defamation per se case could happen when a person falsely accuses someone else of committing a crime.
Contact a California Employment Attorney Today
Being accused of something you didn’t do or say can be upsetting. Even worse, it can damage your reputation and cause irreparable harm. If you’re a victim of malicious accusations at work, you have the right to speak with a lawyer. We are confident that our experienced attorneys can obtain the maximum compensation for your case and offer a “no win, no fee” guarantee. Contact Mesriani Law Group in Los Angeles today for your free legal consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
