Invasion of Privacy/Slander

[Kansasjase]

What is the name of your state? Kansas

I am formerly an employee of a municipality. Recently my employment was terminated. In the three months prior to my termination, the mayor and some of the council members have openly discussed details of my "situation" both in and out of council meetings... it is my understanding and my attorney agrees that matters concerning non-elected personnel cannot be discussed outside of executive session.

My attorney has stated that I have a very solid case for invasion of privacy and slander (much of what has been discussed was strongly slanted). However, he says that what I would get out of it is a different story. He says I have to show economical loss in order to be rewarded monetarily by in a lawsuit. He says that I need to figure up what my financial losses are before he can send out "letters of demand." I have gotten another job, it's with my uncle and I don't know if it's permanent or not. Is there not punative damages for rights violations or anything like that? Yes, I'd like money, but I want to send the message to these people that they cannot freely violate my rights and break their own rules without any consequences.

Thank you.

 

[JETX]

Is there not punative damages for rights violations or anything like that?

In certain circumstances, yes. Damages (payoff for worth) for slander may be limited to actual (special) damages unless there is malicious intent, since such damages are usually difficult to specify and harder to prove. Some statements, such as an untrue accusation of having committed a crime, having a loathsome disease or being unable to perform one's occupation, are treated as slander per se since the harm and malice are obvious and therefore usually result in general and even punitive damage recovery by the person harmed.
It is very likely that the comments made were not sufficient enough to rise to the level of malicious intent.