No, slander in the workplace is generally not legal in California. Slander refers to making false and defamatory spoken statements about someone that harm their reputation. California, like many other jurisdictions, recognizes defamation as a civil wrong.
Under California law, to establish a claim of defamation, the following elements must typically be proven:
- False Statement: The statement about the individual must be false rather than a statement of opinion or a true statement.
- Publication: The false statement must be communicated to a third party.
- Harm: The false statement must cause harm to the individual’s reputation, such as damage to their personal or professional life.
- Fault: The person making the false statement must have acted negligently or with actual malice, depending on the circumstances.
If you believe you are suffering from slander in the workplace, addressing the situation promptly and taking appropriate action to protect your professional reputation is essential. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
- Gather evidence
- Understand your company’s policies
- Speak with the person responsible
- Document the conversation
- Report the issue to your supervisor or HR
- Maintain professionalism
- Seek legal advice if necessary
If someone spreads false and damaging information about you in the workplace, which meets the elements of defamation, you may have legal options to pursue a defamation claim. You should start your claim as soon as possible; this will give you an advantage because it could be easier to demonstrate the damages you suffer. However, it is advisable to consult with an employment lawyer or seek legal advice to understand the specifics of your situation and determine the best course of action.
You can contact us to evaluate your case. Our team has plenty of experience representing employees.