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Can a company sue you for telling the truth?
In most states, truth is a complete defense to a libel action. You generally can’t sue if the statement in question is true, no matter how unpleasant the statement or the results of its publication.
What information can an ex employer give out?
Providing a Reference They usually confirm employment dates and job responsibilities, salary history, and might include information about whether you were dismissed or chose to leave on your own. Even if you were not a model employee, most employers do not give specific details about your conduct while on the job.
Can a former employer be liable for defamation of character?
Defamation: If a plaintiff can prove that (1) her former employer knowingly or negligently communicated a false statement about her to a prospective employer, and (2) she suffered damages as a result, then the former employer may be liable for defamation.
What can I do if my former employer bad-mouthing me?
There are laws regarding what they can say about an employee, which means if your former employer is bad-mouthing you when they receive a reference call, there may be actions you can take to remedy the situation. Many employers will release only basic information when contacted for a reference to protect themselves from lawsuits.
Can an employer bad-mouth you for whistleblowing?
If they choose to bad-mouth you as a result of your whistle blowing, they may be violating anti-retaliation laws. Many employers act responsibly and even if a former employee was not ideal, they give a respectful (or at least neutral) reference.
Can a former employer refuse to acknowledge a former employee’s lawsuit?
Since plaintiffs are not privy to the conversations their prospective employers have with their former ones, it is notoriously hard to prove that defamation or tortious interference has occurred. Absent a binding agreement to the contrary, an employer is not prevented from acknowledging the existence of a former employee’s lawsuit.