defamation libel civil
Can a single false statement give rise to two separate causes of action i.e. counts in a lawsuit?
<p>Is it possible under US libel for a single false statement to give rise to two separate causes of action (i.e. counts) in a lawsuit?</p>

<p>If the answer is yes, what would be some examples of this?</p>

<h2>Yes</h2>

<p>I hire an engineer to give advice. The advice is:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>not what I contracted for - breach of contract</p></li>
<li><p>negligent - tort of negligent misstatement </p></li>
<li><p>not given with due skill and care - consumer protection warranty breach</p></li>
<li><p>defamatory - libel</p></li>
<li><p>late - breach of contract again</p></li>
<li><p>disclosed to my competition - breach of confidence</p></li>
</ul>

<p>The engineer was clearly on  a roll.</p>

<p><strong>Yes (the libel edition.)</strong></p>

<p>"Morgan and Robin are having an affair and cheating on their respective spouses!"</p>

<p>I hope it's clear enough, on its face, that both Morgan and Robin each have a cause of action.</p>
