What legal actions can I take against defamation and slander?
November 10, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Hans Krüger
Dear lawyer,
My name is David Dietrich and I am reaching out to you with an urgent question in the field of civil law. In the past few weeks, I have been a victim of slander and defamation in my professional environment. A colleague is spreading false allegations about me that are severely damaging my reputation and professional standing. These false statements have already led to conflicts with my superiors and colleagues and are threatening my career.
The slander and defamation I have been subjected to have put me in an extremely uncomfortable situation, as I now have to defend myself against false accusations. I am deeply concerned about my reputation and professional future. Therefore, I am wondering what legal actions I can take against my colleague to defend myself against this slander and defamation.
What options do I have to legally address slander and defamation? Are there specific laws that protect me in such cases? What steps should I take first to defend my rights and restore my reputation?
I thank you in advance for your help and support in this matter.
Sincerely,
David Dietrich
Dear Mr. Dietrich,
I understand your concern and your desire to take legal action against the defamation and character assassination you are facing in your professional environment. Such false accusations can indeed be very harmful, both to your personal reputation and your professional career. It is important that you actively defend yourself against this in order to restore your reputation and prevent further damage.
In German civil law, there are various legal options to address defamation and character assassination. One of the most important laws that can protect you in this case is the general right of personality, which is enshrined in the Civil Code (BGB). According to § 823 BGB, you may be entitled to damages and injunction if someone damages your honor by spreading false facts about you.
To take legal action against your colleague, you should first gather evidence that proves that the claims he made are false and actually causing you harm. Document all statements and actions that prove character assassination and defamation, such as emails, messages, witness reports, etc.
Next, you should consult a civil law attorney to discuss your legal options and initiate legal steps. Your attorney can draft a cease and desist letter for your colleague, in which he agrees to stop the defamation and provide a penalty clause.
Furthermore, you can also claim damages to compensate for the damage to your reputation. In a civil lawsuit, you can go to court and request an injunction to prevent your colleague from spreading further false claims.
It is important that you act quickly and do not hesitate to take legal action to protect your reputation. I strongly recommend that you promptly seek advice from a specialized attorney to defend your rights and counteract the defamation.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and wish you success in asserting your rights.
Sincerely,
Hans Krüger, Attorney
