I left a medical device company months ago and have learned that over the months, on two occassions that I know of, this manager has said something regarding my sales ability that is very negative, and incorrect. In my line of work, ones ability to provide accurate, intelligent clinical information and guidance during surgeries where the product is used is of the utmost importance. Our ability to gain employment, be successful and earn the living this offers hinges soley on one’s “clinical” credibility
This incorrect information is spreading through the industry and market. After the first time I learned of the managers comment, I phoned, inquired and ask that it stop, which he denied ever saying anything. A few months later (days ago) the same comment was made.
My reputation and ability to get another job are both effected. What measures can I take? I was thinking of calling the HR Director of the company and notifying him/her of my concerns and possible legal action. What do I do?
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Legal Action On Past Manager?5 comments to Legal Action On Past Manager? |
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Legal action, he is slandering you and affecting your ability to make an income
The more you go head to head the more you lose. As you hear such negative things is not easy. If it comes up in an interview, you can say “It is unfortunate that they say such things, I did X, Y, and Z. I did not agree with the new plan or personalities were getting in the way so I elected to help the company make a change instead of going through the motions and possibly adversely hurting a good company. You are taking the high road which goes a long way.
If you could prove what he said(having it on record, or having someone sign an affidavet stating what he said), and could prove that he has affected your ability to make a living through these statements, and if these statements have no basis in truth (by this point the burden of proof is on him, to qualify his statements), then you would have a libel case against him. It would do no good to continue to contact the company, since the damage has been done, and they would probably absolve themselves of liability.
What you describe is potentially slander. You need to speak to an attorney who specializes in labor law. The attorney will most likely ask you what proof you have. Documents can be in the way of written statements from people you have heard this from, phone numbers of those individuals so your complaint can be corroborated, e-mails, letters, memos, even your personnel file at your former company.
Your best plan of attack is to call the HR director and ask that they communicate to your previous manager and have him re-cant what was said or that you will have to take legal action against the company.
In one sense, the damage is already done, and there’s little that can be done to “undo” the damage.
You should also contact your lawyer and ask what possibilites there are — they may have other ideas of what can be done. The consultation should be free. The problem is that they may not take the case unless you pay them up front for the work — it’s a long hard case for them to fight since there’s no facts that can be directly worked with.