IC 27-1-3-23: Civil actions; substantial justification

Sec. 23. (a) For the purposes of this section, a party is "substantially justified" in initiating a civil action if the action had a reasonable basis in law or fact at the time the action was initiated.

(b) If:

(1) a person or entity referred to in section 22(d) of this chapter, or an employee or agent of a person or entity referred to in section 22(d), is the prevailing party in a civil action for libel, slander, or any other relevant tort arising out of the filing of a report or the furnishing of information under section 22(d) of this chapter; and

(2) the party who initiated the action was not substantially justified in initiating the action;

the person, entity, employee, or agent referred to in subdivision (1) is entitled to an award of attorney's fees and costs.