Can I sue a woman who falsely accused me of rape for slander & defamation of character?

You may have a legitimate claim for defamation of character depending upon the circumstances of her accusation.  While defamation of character is governed on a state-by-state basis and you will need to check the rules of your state. Be sure not to wait too long as the time limit to sue for defamation & slander is different for each state. Accusing an individual of a crime is often considered “defamation per se.” This means that you would not have to prove that the statements were defamatory, you would only have to prove that she in fact made the statements. You could potentially win a verdict for the actual damages you suffered, such as the loss of your income, as well as additional damages for your pain and suffering. You should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in your area, since defamation of character is a personal injury or tort action. Make sure that the personal injury lawyer you speak to has experience with libel and slander cases.