Defamation by a former employer

[sinlou]

What is the name of your state? Idaho

My mother was fired on Thursday from her job of over 10 years. She was given a reason by the employer (although it was rather lame.) Within 36 hours of the termination she has been contacted by several individuals telling her about rumors going around concerning the circumstances of her termination. The rumors report that she stole over $200,000 from her former employer. These rumors are completely untrue and of course no criminal charges are present to substantiate them. The thing is, she knows who is spreading the rumors but doesn't know if she can get other people to admit that they heard it from this individual because he is in a high authority position. She lives in a very small town and the effect of the rumors was undoubtedly to prevent her from obtaining employment in this town. What course of action should she pursue at this point? Should she go ahead and get a lawyer, confront the individual, or something else?

Thanks for your help.

[BelizeBreeze]

and what would an attorney do for mom? Except take her money, write a letter and then nothing more because until she can prove who is spreading the rumor and that it is false and the person saying these things KNEW it was false, she has nothing.

[sinlou]

So if she can get some people to vouge for who is spreading the rumors, would she have a decent case or is it still going to be a waste of money? Also would she pursue the individual or the company?
Thanks

[BelizeBreeze]

Originally Posted by sinlou

So if she can get some people to vouge for who is spreading the rumors, would she have a decent case or is it still going to be a waste of money? Also would she pursue the individual or the company?
Thanks

It's still going to be a waste of money.