It can cause significant harm to your career if a previous employer defames you. We recently discussed how impactful this can be, and how it may be necessary to take legal action.
An employer who is defaming you can ruin your reputation, cause you to be blackballed in the industry and cost you future jobs. All of this is very problematic when they are intentionally making statements that they know are false just to harm your career.
One important thing to consider is that there are two different ways that defamation takes place. The main types are known as slander and libel. How are these different and how do they work?
Spoken statements versus written statements
For something to qualify as slander, it typically has to be a spoken statement, such as something your former employer says during a phone conversation. For it to qualify as libel, on the other hand, it needs to be a written statement. Defamation counts as libel when it is published, such as statements made in a magazine, a book, or potentially even on a social media profile.
The distinction is important because written statements sometimes carry more weight and can have a larger impact. Something that a person says may just be between them and one or two other parties. However, something that is written down could potentially be put in front of a vast audience, and many things that are published will always exist. Thus, libel can reach much further and may cause even greater harm.
Do you believe that you have been a victim of defamation by a former employer? If so, take the time to carefully look into all the legal steps you can take to protect your rights and career.