what kind of lawyer do you need for defamation of character

If you are dealing with defamation, such as libel and/or slander, you should consult with a skilled and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can inform you of your rights, and determine whether any defenses are available to you based on the specifics of your case, if needed.

Full Answer

How much can you sue for defamation of character?

Sep 20, 2021 · Accordingly, you should utilize an internet defamation attorney to file an online defamation lawsuit. Most attorneys concentrate their practice on a specific area of law, like wills or criminal defense. Just as you would not hire a lawyer who writes your will to defend you in a criminal trial, the same is true for defamation law.

What kind of lawyer do I need defamation of character?

Defamation of Character. Defamation, sometimes referred to as defamation of character, occurs when an individual's character or reputation is tarnished as a result of a fraudulent statement or action of another individual. Defamation can be broken down into two types: spoken, which is called slander, and written, which is called libel.

Can I sue someone for defamation of character?

Nov 16, 2015 ·

Can you file a lawsuit for defamation of character?

Michael Douglas Shafer

With the complexity of your situation, I would first suggest you contact a labor law attorney and then consider the use of a personal injury attorney.

Richard Downs

I would consider the use of a lawyer that has experience in employment law and discrimination law. The source of your problems is the treatment you received at the workplace. The basis of your action will be primarily for violations of duties that an employer owes to an employee.

Clark William Watkin Jr

Contact an attorney who specializes in two things: first, plaintiff's employment law; second, personal injury or "tort" law. It sounds as if you are already pretty well versed in the nature of the claims you might need to bring, so if I were you I would immediately seek out the specialties I have mentioned.

1 attorney answer

You wold hire a personal injury lawyer. Please understand that a defamation suit is very difficult to prove and can get expensive. To prevail, you must prove that you have suffered economic damage because of the alleged defamatory state that must be false. Truth is an absolute defense to defamation.

Dave Hawkins

You wold hire a personal injury lawyer. Please understand that a defamation suit is very difficult to prove and can get expensive. To prevail, you must prove that you have suffered economic damage because of the alleged defamatory state that must be false. Truth is an absolute defense to defamation.

How to prove defamation?

States laws regarding proving defamation through the legal theories of libel and/or slander vary. However, there are some general rules that a person must prove in order to show that a statement made was in fact defamatory. Again, the false statement must actually harm the reputation of the other person, as opposed to being merely insulting or offensive. A statement may be considered defamatory if the statement was: 1 Published: Under legal definitions, “statement” refers to something that can be spoken, written, pictured, or gestured. A published statement means that a third party saw or heard the statement, but it does not necessarily mean that it was printed in a book or magazine. This definition includes radio, speeches, television, social media, or even loud conversation; 2 False: Defamatory statements must be objectively false. This is because true statements are not considered to be damaging to others.; 3 Injurious: The plaintiff must prove that the statement harmed them in some way. An example of this would be if they lost work because of the statement, or they were shunned and/or harassed by neighbors because of defamatory remarks; and 4 Unprivileged: The defamatory statement must also be unprivileged. What this means is that in some circumstances, such as witnesses testifying in court or lawmakers making statements in the legislative chamber, they are not to be held liable for any statements that would otherwise be defamatory.

What is defamation in law?

The term “ defamation ” refers to a person making false and malicious statements about someone else, either through written or spoken word. As an area of law, defamation works to remedy situations in which someone’s words cause harm to someone else’s livelihood or reputation. A person who has experienced defamation, or has been defamed, ...

What is written defamation?

Written defamation, such as defaming someone in a book or newspaper, is referred to as libel. This definition of libel can also extend to cover businesses, not just individuals. Additionally, libel can refer to visual depictions, and published statements that are made on radio, audio, and video. Libel is considered to be damaging ...

Is slander a civil claim?

Generally speaking, libel and slander are civil claims. Some states do recognize an action for criminal defamation. Most state criminal libel statutes recognize statements that cause breach of the peace, and may criminalize published statements that are dishonest or expose someone to hatred, mockery, and contempt.

What is the difference between slander and libel?

The distinction between libel and slander lies in the method of publication. Recently, it has been determined that there are not many differences between the two terms.

Is a false statement considered defamatory?

Again, the false statement must actually harm the reputation of the other person, as opposed to being merely insulting or offensive. A statement may be considered defamatory if the statement was:

What does "published" mean in a statement?

A published statement means that a third party saw or heard the statement, but it does not necessarily mean that it was printed in a book or magazine.

What are the types of damages in a defamation case?

There are usually three types of potential damages in a defamation case: 1 actual damages 2 assumed damages, and 3 punitive damages.

What is the difference between a defamatory statement and a slander?

Defamation is a wrongful act in which one person makes a false statement of fact that injures the reputation of another. A defamatory statement that's spoken is called "slander", while one that 's written or published (or posted online) is called "libel".

What is punitive damages?

Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct, and aren't usually imposed in defamation cases. Learn more about calculating damages in a defamation case.

What is actual damages?

Actual damages are provable, compensable losses that the plaintiff has suffered with respect to his or her property, business, trade, profession or occupation, including any expenses the plaintiff had to pay as a result of the defamatory statements. Lost income is an example of actual damages in a defamation case.

What are the defenses to a defamation suit?

On the other hand, if you are the subject of a defamation lawsuit, there are several defenses that an attorney may raise. These include: 1 A reasonable belief that the statements were true 2 Consent 3 Defenses based on the statute of limitations 4 No communication of the statements to a 3rd party 5 Fair comment on a matter of public interest 6 Mere abuse 7 No actual injury

What is the definition of defamation?

Defamation occurs when a party communicates an untrue statement that harms the reputation of another. The person or party to whom the statement is directed could be any either an individual or a group, and could be a natural person or a business entity.

What are the two categories of defamation?

Traditionally, defamation is divided into two categories: Slander: spoken defamation. Libel: written defamation. Defamation of character can cause serious damage to a person’s reputation which could cause both economic and non-economic losses.

How to prevail on a defamation claim?

To prevail on a defamation claim if you are a private individual, you must first prove that the statement was false. If the statement is true, no matter how unflattering it may be, your claim will be barred because truth is an absolute defense to a defamation action. In addition, you will usually need to prove that the statement was made by ...

What are some examples of defamatory statements?

An example of a defamatory statement may be an accusation made against a public official—such as a claim that he or she took a bribe or committed a crime, assuming the allegation is presented as fact. An accusation of "police brutality" or immorality may also be defamatory. Allegations of adultery or other sexual misconduct may be considered defamatory if they are false.

What is a false statement someone makes about you?

Defamation is typically defined as a false statement someone makes about you, which they publish as a statement of fact, and which harms your personal and/or professional reputation or causes you other damages, including financial loss and emotional distress.

What are some examples of publication?

The most common examples of publication would be posting online, inclusion in a newspaper or magazine, or repetition on a news broadcast, but if the speaker repeats the statement to any third party, it may still constitute defamation. In the average case, if you can prove these three things (false statement, made knowingly or recklessly, ...

Is slander a written defamation?

Libel is written defamation, and slander is spoken defamation. In this article, we'll explore the legal definition of defamation, explain what you'll need to prove in order to bring a successful civil lawsuit for defamation, and more.

Is truth a defense to defamation?

Truth is not the only defense to a defamation claim. Certain statements, even if defamatory, may be privileged and therefore not actionable. The rules of privilege are complicated, but one example is statements made by officials in the context of an investigation or other official duty.

Is slander a defamation lawsuit?

You've probably heard of libel and slander, but you may not understand the legal basis for a defamation lawsuit. "Libel" and "slander" fall under the larger legal umbrella of " defamation .". Libel is written defamation, and slander is spoken defamation.