Injurious Falsehood
A claim for injurious falsehood is based upon a false statement that disparages a person’s property. For example, an injurious falsehood claim may arise where a person makes a false statement about another person’s title to real property and the other person suffers damages as a result. Injurious falsehood in this particular context is often referred to as slander of title.
A victim of injurious falsehood may obtain compensation for her pecuniary losses. Punitive damages may also be available in especially egregious cases.
For information about other civil claims recognized in the District of Columbia, click here. For information about how to use this guide, click here.
[Sources: Douglas C. Melcher, Tort Claims and Defenses in the District of Columbia § 17 (2014), and legal authorities cited therein.]