Slander or Def of Chtr?

[PaLiMan1972]

I used to work for a major auto repair franchise. I left when i found a new business for myslef. When i first started Business was going good and it was steadily going up. My X-Boss then was so pissed that i was doing soo good he started spreading rumors that i purposely fail cars so i can re-inspect them for an extra fee. I have customers who come to me and say that he told them straight up that i cheat people and purposely fail vehicles in their annual inspection requested by the State of California known as the "smog Check".
What do i need to start a lawsuit against this guy because my business did go down and i realised that it is due to these rumors this guy is spreading aBOUT MY SHOP.

THANK YOU.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

To begin, you need to get the names of the people who heard these comments. You will want them to testify for you (you don't want to use a subpoena to compel them to testify.) You need to decide how much money it is worth -- small claims is great if you can get up to $7,000 in your jurisdiction. If you believe you lost more business you will need to be more formal and file in a civil court.

Your suit will be about defamation. You will need to plead and show that the defendant:

1) made a defamatory/false statement
2) spoke it to a third person (slander)
3) that it was about your profession or show that it caused damages
4) you will likely need to show/prove what damages that may result

and allege these items in a complaint. you can see sample complaints in the courthouse but you want to ensure that these "elements" of slander are stated in relation to your story.