If a neighbor loudly called me a pedophile in the townhouse community driveway where we both live, do I have grounds for a law suit for defamation of character?

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If a neighbor loudly called me a pedophile in the townhouse community driveway where we both live, do I have grounds for a law suit for defamation of character?

Another neighbor heard her say this who lives next to us. The reason was that it was a Saturday morning and she was sitting in the common driveway with her radio turned up full blast. I politely asked her to turn it down as folks were trying to sleep on a weekend day. Her reaction shocked me and was totally unexpected and shocked the neighbor who heard this.

Asked on September 25, 2013 under Personal Injury, Texas

Answers:

Anne Brady / Law Office of Anne Brady

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

You may very well have a claim for defamation.  Texas, like Arizona, recognizes a claim for "defamation per se."  This is a claim where the allegation made is so outrageous that damages are presumed and do not need to be proven.  You should consult a defamation attorney in your area.


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