Defamatory comments can be written (called libel) or spoken (called slander) and the victim of defamation might suffer embarrassment and be shunned by third parties, as a result.
If you have merely been insulted that will not amount to defamation and it also does not include:
- Statements about you which are actually true.
- Statements made in court proceedings or Government proceedings or made where there is a social, moral or legal duty to do so.
- Comments made of honest opinion which are based on facts which are true and are made in the public interest.
If you are the victim either personally, professionally or in relation to your business, you might have the right to an injunction (to stop the defamation continuing) and to compensation. You might also get a retraction of the defamatory statement and an apology.
You may also recover compensation where the defamation causes you not only significant distress but also provable lost earnings or lost business opportunities.
In the digital age, there is an increase in defamation through social media and communications and publications on the internet. Consequently, we have experience in also dealing with website hosts to ensure that defamatory material on their websites is removed.
Any Court action must be taken within one year of the defamatory statement. So you must act quickly. It might be, however, that we can resolve matters for you within that one year period, without the need to issue court proceedings.
If you’re the victim of defamation (or indeed subject to Court proceedings for defamation) please get in touch. You’ll find us committed to fighting your corner and protecting your interests.
For free initial advice please call us on Freephone 0800 294 4410.
