lible from former employer

[andiuofmn]

my husband worked for a guy who claimed to be a professional mechanic who is a general handyman type--when my husband was interviewed, he stated that he was a jet engine mechanic in the navy and had just been discharged. He also stated that he had experience working on heavy equipment while he was out to sea. He also emphasized a lack of experience on snowblowers and lawnmowers--a staple of his business. My husband's former employer fired him for supposed lack of knowledge when he asked for assistance learning the new equipment.

My husband applied for unemployment...which was granted to him. His former employer appealed the decision based on incompetence and because my husband "misrepresented himself."

The written appeal specifically states that my husband stated he was a jet engine mechanic in the navy with the experience he stated. They then insisted on stating that, again, my husband did not have the exerience that he led them to beleive he had.....

we have DOZENS of papers from the navy verifying his experience and his reviews that clearly indicate he was valued as a mechanic by the navy and his colleagues.

The lawyer I asked about lible stated that court proceedings are not lible. When I called the deartment of labor in Minnesota, they stated that there are not statutes regarding this matter. Could you please tell me--other than continuting the appeal, that we have for his slandering my husbands name? We live in a small town, his reputation is fundamentally important to his work. Had he made these comments outside of the court system...he would be guilty of lible. Please help.

 

[Moe from MO]

In my state all statements made in judicial proceedings and administrative proceedings are privileged. There is almost no likelihood you'll recover for libEL. Win and let that be your revenge.

 

[Attorney_Replogle]

Moe from MO is correct in his legal analysis. There is a privilege for statements (written and oral) in judicial and administrative type hearings (such as yours). Whether you want to appeal or not is your choice, based to a degree on what you want to accomplish.

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Mark B. Replogle