Defamation & Libel
Often, people involved in disputes consult a personal injury attorney if they feel they are victims of defamation, libel, or slander. Defamation is a false statement that damages someone's reputation or character and exposes him or her to public contempt, hatred, ridicule, or condemnation. Libel refers to false statements, pictures, or other visual representations published in print or through broadcast media, such as radio or TV. Spoken defamation is slander. Most jurisdictions also recognize "per se" defamation, where the allegations are presumed to cause damage to the plaintiff such as attacks on a person's professional character or standing, allegations about a person's sexual activity, and charges that a person has committed a crime of moral turpitude.
If negative repercussions are sustained due to someone's vicious lies, defamation, libel, and slander victims have the right to clear their names and, in some cases, receive compensatory damages for injury to reputation and for mental anguish. Most personal injury lawyers agree that the truth should be the ultimate defense in defamation lawsuits, but the validity of that assumption is often tested by what goes on in the courts. Most jurisdictions have enacted statutes which specify the elements of the cause of action, limit when an action may be filed, or modify the defenses acceptable to an action for defamation. In some cases, statutes require that the defendant has an opportunity to apologize before the plaintiff can seek non-economic damages.
When a potentially defamatory incident occurs, a thorough investigation and evaluation of the case--conducted by a personal injury attorney with direct experience handling defamation and libel lawsuits--is always the best way to proceed. While many defamation actions are prosecuted successfully, the potential downside should be considered when deciding whether or not to pursue defamation litigation. Defamation and libel cases are difficult to win and damage awards tend to be small. The money spent to successfully prosecute a defamation action can exceed the amount of money recovered. In addition, there are non-monetary considerations to weigh. Win or lose, it may not be possible to disprove all the false allegations made or overcome all the negative publicity generated by a defamation lawsuit.
The skilled personal injury lawyers and defamation attorneys at Schwartz Zweben LLP have successfully represented many victims of defamation, libel, and slander. They understand the complexities of investigating, litigating, negotiating, and resolving defamation claims and are fully knowledgeable of the liability issues, defensive strategies, and legal options involved. Our resources include a top-notch team of professional investigators and experts who can analyze the evidence and help our libel lawyers obtain swift justice and maximum compensation for defamation victims.
If you have been the victim of defamation, libel, or slander, contact the law offices of Schwartz Zweben LLP. A libel attorney on our team can offer you a free, confidential evaluation of your case and advise you of your rights.
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