Employment relationships are breeding grounds for defamation claims since a person’s reputation (a major focus of defamation claims) is often closely intertwined with their employment. And defamation claims have been gaining attention recently, with a series of high-profile cases going to trial, resulting in some very significant verdicts. In this high-risk environment, businesses and executives should cultivate a solid understanding of defamation law so they can avoid, or defeat, these claims.

Statements Made During Internal Investigations

Can a business be liable for statements made while investigating claims about an employee’s misconduct? Employers enjoy substantial protections in this context, but those protections are not absolute.