Standifer v. Val Gene Management Services, Inc.

527 P.2d 28 (1974)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

P filed an action for slander in that D's agent told others that P was a constant troublemaker; was not a fit tenant; was harassing her; had 'cussed her out'; she was disruptive in nature and was bothering the other tenants; and various and numerous statements tending to degrade P to blacken and injure the honesty, virtue, integrity, morality, and reputation of P and to thereby expose her to public contempt and ridicule. Because of these remarks, P was compelled to move from her residence of many years and incurred actual damages: Moving expense -- $375.00; Telephone -- $15.00; Automobile expense -- $20.00; and additional rent -- $80.00. P asked for these amounts plus $5,000 general damages and $25,000 punitive damages. D eventually filed a motion for summary judgment. Even if all the statements made were true, they were not enough to sustain an action for slander. The court agreed that none of the statements were slanderous per se. This appeal resulted.