Defamation is a serious offense. There are many instances where people have lost their jobs or have been shunned by society due to false accusations or allegations. If you too have been a victim of defamation, you can hire a lawyer and file for defamation under the defamation law.
Understanding the Defamation Law
Here is where you might want to dig in a bit and understand the defamation law. Defamation can either be done verbally or in writing. When spoken, it is called as “slander” and in written as “libel”. The defamation law states that any individual, group, or company can sue a third party if they have caused serious damage to their reputation.
Written defamation can be any information or statement that has been made online, on TV, magazines, email and even on social networking sites. Now you simply cannot file for a defamation case and wait for the court to make a decision. You need to submit proof and evidence.
Some of the points that you might have to prove for the decision to work in your favor include:
- Proof that the statement or information shared has really being published and is about you
- Words and statements used has caused you injury in regard to your reputation
If you are on the receiving end, meaning if someone has filed a defamation case against you, you might need to prove:
- That the statement of information shared is true
- You just expressed your opinion about the information that has already been shared
- You have shared a privileged information that allows for the general public to speak freely on it
Cost and Duration for Filing for Defamation
What is defamation of character? Learn it in details, before filing a lawsuit. Defamation of character can be termed as any false statement, either written or oral shared by a third party with the intent of causing malice to their reputation.
Any lawsuit is expensive, so you might need to be prepared well in advance. To add to your woes, finding a good defamation lawyer is a tedious task. You might need to research your options and look for credible lawyers. If you have friends or peers who have faced similar situations, you can take their help.
If you are lucky, you might be able to find some legal insurance policies that might cover your defamation expenses. The duration for the defamation case is generally 1 year.
Compensation for Defamation
If the case works in your favor, the court will ask for compensation for the damage cause to your defamation. The amount you get depends on the severity of your case. In addition to this, you can even ask for a written apology from the defendant.
Sometimes, defamation cases can also get resolved through out of court settlements. Here is where the third party does not want to drag the matter to court and is willing to pay some monetary benefits for the damages.
Conclusion
Defamation can cause mental trauma. Ensure that you do not fall victim to such issues and get the matter handled by legal experts.
