Is It Worth Suing for Defamation After Suffering Damages?

When Is It Worth Suing for Defamation?

Defamation claims are founded on the facts and circumstances surrounding a false statement of fact that was published. Suppose there is a legitimate instance of defamation, and you or your business was harmed as a consequence. In that case, you might well be able to recover your losses through a successful civil action.

However, not all derogatory remarks result in liability, and a defamation claim can be difficult to establish. Before filing a case, assess the expenses and advantages to determine if it is worthwhile to sue for defamation.

What Is the Average Settlement for Defamation?

The typical defamation settlement will be determined by the facts and objectives of your defamation litigation. Victims of defamation may have diverse aims in mind; for example, some may merely want the defamatory information deleted, while others may seek monetary compensation for their losses.

How to Deal With Defamation of Character

If you believe you have suffered damages due to defamation of character, the first action you should take is establishing an attorney-client relationship with a lawyer. Working with a lawyer who focuses on defamation law will offer clarity on the type of defamation you are facing and pave the way forward so you can obtain the compensation and closure you deserve.

There are several types of defamation. Below are a few of the most common.

Libel: Libel is defined as defamatory comments and/or images published in print or writing; or transmitted in the media, such as on radio, television, or cinema. To be considered defamatory, the publication does not have to be made to more than one person. However, it must be presented as a fact rather than an opinion.

Slander: Slander is defined as defamatory remarks spoken orally. Damages for defamation are often more difficult to identify and establish, while it can be simpler when malice is involved. These assertions must be presented as facts rather than just opinions to be deemed defamatory. Slander of title is a comment about property ownership that disparages the owner and their capacity to transfer the property, resulting in monetary loss.

Malice: If purposeful actual malice can be demonstrated/proven, the conduct typically qualifies as defamation for reputational harm. Even if this is not the case, if it is evident that the statement would cause injury and is false, one can still seek this tort provided they can establish actual/tangible harm, such as loss of business (called special damages).

Defamation Per Se refers to defamatory comments that are so cruel and cause such evident injury that malice is inferred and proof of purpose is not necessary for general damages (i.e., falsely accusing someone of committing immoral conduct.)

Regardless of whether you are a public figure or not, if you want to sue for defamation, you need to prove that defamation of character occurred.

How to Prove Defamation of Character

A plaintiff must show four criteria to establish prima facie defamation: 

1) A false statement purporting to be true;

2) Publishing or distribution of a defamatory statement to a third party; 

3) Fault amounting to at least carelessness; and 

4) Damages or injury caused to the person or entity who is the subject of the statement.

You will need to acquire documentation to back up your character defamation claim. This is the most straightforward aspect of your defamation case. However, you must provide documentation, such as a video clip or a copy of a blog post.

The second and third elements of defamation of character lawsuits are more challenging to establish. There is no way to prove that another person commented on causing you damage unless it causes you troubles. This means you’ll have to wait for the false remarks to cause issues before you can legally establish you’ve been damaged.

At Mullen Law Firm, our professional defamation attorneys can help you if you have a strong case. With the help of an experienced lawyer, New Jersey and New York residents can receive compensation if they have suffered general damages, punitive damages, or special damages.

If the defamation resulted in the loss of reputation, shame, property damage, or it has affected your occupation or business relationships, call us right away at 201-241-4831 for a free consultation on your case.

What Constitutes Defamation of Character?

Defamation, often known as character defamation, is the act of causing harm to someone’s reputation or character by making false assertions about that person. Slander and libel are the two forms of defamation. Slander refers to unpublished verbal slander. Defamation in writing or in other permanent outlets, such as radio transmission or television, is referred to as libel. 

Defamation in the workplace often refers to the harm done to a person’s reputation or career due to these false comments. However, since the emergence of the internet, the terms libel and slander have become equivalent in practice.

Depending on the sort of defamation, a coworker’s slanderous statements or libelous publications may have irreparable consequences for an individual’s career. Another example of workplace defamation would be if an employer sends false information to background check services, making it harder for the subject to get work in the future. As a result of someone’s defamatory words, they may be fired, demoted, or have their salary reduced.

If you or someone you care about has been the victim of character defamation, please call the Mullen Law Firm right away. Our defamation lawyers in NJ will start to work immediately to assist you. You may be entitled to substantial compensation depending on your case.

Consequences of Defamation

The general injury produced by defamation is characterized as being mocked, disgraced, disliked, scorned, belittled, or held in contempt by others and lowers them in the esteem of a reasonably prudent person due to the distribution of the false statement. A civil lawsuit for damages may come from this tort. 

Many states have laws requiring the purportedly harmed person to first get a printed retraction of the defamatory remark before proceeding to court. If the plaintiff files a case without first obtaining a retraction, or if they obtain a retraction but still file a civil lawsuit, most jurisdictions will restrict the damages they can seek to the real or exceptional losses they received, such as loss of employment or pay.

Filing a Defamation Lawsuit 

The plaintiff’s case begins with the Complaint. After you’ve met with your attorney and they have conducted preliminary research indicating that you have a viable case, a Complaint will be filed in your state’s civil court system. This is the legal document that kicks off the litigation. A major concern at this point is your state’s defamation statute of limitations, which is a regulation that limits your ability to pursue your case to court after a specific time period has passed.