Carney R. Shegerian, founder of Shegerian & Associates, a Santa Monica-based law firm specializing in employee rights, has issued a statement aimed at all employees in light of current news coverage of Tiger Woods’ alleged transgressions. “The negative effect Woods’ tarnished image will cost him in promotions income is reflective, on a very grand scale, of what the everyday employee experiences when defamed by his or her employer,” Shegerian explains.

News of Tiger Woods’ alleged affairs broke out last week and became an issue of national discussion after his car accident in Florida. Tabloids alleged Tiger Woods’ wife Elin Nordegren responsible for the injuries due to her discovery of Woods’ extramarital affairs. “The extent of how these events affect Woods’ promotions income from selling his wholesome image is yet to be seen. What is certain is the image he has sold to the public has suffered,” says Shegerian.

Many employees experience similar situations in the workplace. “Many employers falsely attribute misconduct to employees they want to wrongfully fire, lay off or otherwise discriminate against,” Shegerian says. “What these employers do is severely tarnish the reputation of the fired employee. These employees have great difficulty in finding new employment. The employer is often liable for defamation. Most employees, unfortunately, do not know their rights to assert such a claim,” Shegerian explains.

Shegerian, who has represented individuals subject to defamation throughout his career, stresses that one’s private life becoming public can tarnish his or her reputation and as a result hurt his or her career.

As an experienced trial attorney, Shegerian has tried numerous jury trials in both state and federal court, always representing individuals that have suffered financial or emotional losses and have been wronged by employers, including major corporations.