Many people do their best to let hurtful words roll off them, but when your reputation is at stake, you may need the help of a personal injury law attorney to pursue a defamation case. People spreading false information about you can cause personal and professional damage. Here’s what you should know about defamation and your legal rights.

How Personal Injury Law Treats Character Defamation

Defining Defamation of Character

When an individual says or writes something untrue about you, shares it with someone else, and the words harm your business or personal reputation, that is defamation of character. Under personal injury law, you may be entitled to money damages.

Explaining Slander & Libel

Slander and libel are two types of defamatory conduct. Slander is a spoken statement, and libel is a written one. A single statement can be slanderous and libelous, such as one person making a false remark to another orally and then publishing it in a newspaper or blog post later.  

Understanding Defamation Damages & Defenses

Under personal injury law, negative or embarrassing statements about you are not necessarily defamatory. People can express unfavorable opinions as part of free speech, especially if you are a public figure. To recover damages for defamation, a statement must be false and cause harm to your reputation, financial or business activity, personal relationships, or health. Some statements are presumed defamatory, such as accusations of criminal conduct, racism, and transmitting sexual diseases.

Truth is an absolute defense to slander and libel allegations. Other defenses include privileged information, statements related to employment applications, and protected speech. Consulting a personal injury law attorney is the best way to determine whether you have a defamation claim to pursue.

Defamatory acts can ruin people’s lives and livelihoods. People seeking compensation for such conduct should consult Brandau & Waltz Law Offices LLP.  Based in La Crosse, WI, these skilled personal injury law attorneys offer more than 50 years of combined experience in protecting clients’ rights and fighting effectively on their behalf to recover monetary damages. To learn more about their legal background, visit their website. Call (608) 784-2050 today to schedule a confidential consultation.