Question

Bill and Sam were both salesmen. They were both trying to make a big sale to XYZ Corporation. Sam got the sale, and Bill got very angry. Bill called the employee of XYZ Corporation that was responsible for making the order and said several things about Sam. Bill said, "Sam is a liar and a cheat. Those goods he sold you are of low quality and will not hold up. Sam has cheated other companies, so you better watch him closely." All of the statements were false. Although the sale should have been final, XYZ Corporation cancelled the order with Sam. Sam found out what Bill had said, and wants to sue Bill. If Sam is unable to prove that the statements are slander per se, will he be able to prove special damages? A. No. Special damages are for pain and suffering. B. No. Special damages are for disfigurement. C. Yes. Special damages are some economic loss. D. Yes. Special damages are harm to reputation.

Answer 1

Special damages involve quantifiable economic losses, and in this case, Sam can prove economic harm resulting from the canceled order due to Bill's false statements. Special damages are not limited to pain and suffering but encompass tangible financial losses.C. Yes. Special damages are some economic loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, Sam can prove special damages even if he is unable to establish slander per se. Special damages refer to quantifiable economic losses resulting from the false statements made by Bill. In the context of defamation, special damages typically include financial harm, such as the loss of a business deal or contract. In Sam's situation, the cancellation of the order by XYZ Corporation directly resulted from Bill's false statements, leading to a clear economic loss. Therefore, Sam can pursue a legal claim based on special damages.

Special damages, in this case, encompass the specific economic harm suffered by Sam due to the canceled order. Sam can provide evidence of the financial impact, including the value of the lost sale and any associated costs or damages resulting from the cancellation. While special damages are distinct from general damages like pain and suffering, they focus on tangible economic losses that can be quantified and proven in court.

In summary, Sam has a valid basis to pursue a legal remedy based on the economic harm caused by Bill's false statements, even without proving slander per se.