Links: Home Defamation Libel Slander Damages Proof Settlement Trial Locations. Resources Sitemap
Aggressive Defamation Lawyer 410-598-3535
Links: Home Defamation Libel Slander Damages Proof Settlement Trial Locations. Resources Sitemap
Aggressive Defamation Lawyer 410-598-3535
What is libel in simple terms?
Libel is a form of defamation expressed by print, pictures, writing, signs, or any communication contained in physical form which is injurious to a person's reputation; exposes a person to public hatred, contempt or ridicule; or injures a person in their business or profession.
Aggressive and experienced represention for all Defamation, Libel and Slander Cases.
Call 410-598-3535 to find out how much your case is worth.
Libel is generally a defamatory pulication that is in writing.
Libel is generally a defamatory pulication that is in oral.
Libel Defamation laws apply to false statements regardless of whether they’re written or spoken. is the written form of defamation, which means publishers can be held liable for defamation when they publish someone else’s false statements. , on the other hand, is a false and harmful oral statement made about another person.
What is a defamation lawsuit? A defamation lawsuit is a legal claim filed in court seeking compensation for the harm caused to a person or business’ reputation due to false statements published by someone else. The key elements for a defamation lawsuit are:
There was a false statement about the plaintiff. This statement cannot be a matter of opinion. Only statements that are factually capable of being proven false can be actionable as defamation. That means insults alone, even if exaggerated or untrue, are not defamatory.
The statement was communicated to a third party. This covers statements that are written and published or orally communicated.
The defendant knew the statement was false or was negligent in determining whether it was false, or the defendant acted with actual malice. The difference between a public figure and a private figure is crucial—a plaintiff who is a private figure can sue a publisher for defamation if the publisher acted intentionally or negligently in making or publishing a false statement. A person who is a public figure must do more to win a defamation lawsuit. Public figures must show that the publisher acted with actual malice, meaning they published a false statement knowing it was false or with a reckless disregard for the truth. The actual malice standard also applies to plaintiffs who are limited purpose public figures, meaning that they are well-known and recognizable in the context of a particular controversy or event and the statement made about them fits in that context.
The plaintiff was harmed by the false statements financially or through damage to their reputation. These damages can be considerable, but hard to prove. A plaintiff must justify the amount of damages they are seeking by offering evidence such as lost business opportunities, damaged relationships, and other losses suffered due to the defendant’s defamatory statements.
What is defamation per se?
While defamation lawsuits usually require evidence to show specifically how the person was harmed by a defendant’s false statements, this requirement does not exist if the statements constitute defamation per se.
Statements that constitute defamation per se include: statements falsely accusing another of committing a crime, statements falsely accusing another of having a contagious disease, statements damaging a person’s trade, office, or profession, or statements that are so obviously harmful and offensive that it is unnecessary for the plaintiff to show how.
When possible, it is important to allege that a defendant’s statements are defamatory per se. In addition to allowing a jury to presume damages, statements that are defamatory per se usually entitle a plaintiff to significant damages. This is especially true when a plaintiff is falsely accused of a crime or when their livelihood depends on their reputation.
Attorney at Law 410-598-3535