Sarasota Defamation Lawyer
When you were growing up, you may have uttered the phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” As an adult, you may have realized that words can actually hurt you. Untrue statements from a third party can affect your reputation and character, especially if you are a business owner. A false accusation can not only cause hurt feelings but a decrease in revenue as well. It can also affect social relationships with others.
Defamation can cause harm to your career and character. Don’t just ignore it. Seek legal help from a Sarasota defamation lawyer from The Cahall Law Firm PLLC to learn more about your options.
Examples of Defamation
Defamation is a common problem nowadays. It’s easier than ever thanks to social media. People can harass others and post untrue statements online at any time. This information can spread quickly, causing lasting emotional and financial damage. Here are some examples of defamation:
- Factually incorrect information and identifications in news articles and publications
- False posts, comments, and profiles on Facebook or other social media websites for the purpose of harassing individuals and businesses
- Fake online reviews and ratings posted on websites such as Yelp and Google that do not genuinely reflect the company
- False posts and reports on cheater websites accusing people of infidelity and other crimes
Keep in mind that defamation must lead to damages in order for you to have a case. If someone insults you or says something untrue about your business, the statement has to be made to a third party. If they do it directly to you, then defamation laws would not apply.
Elements of Defamation
Defamation involves these five elements:
- Someone made a statement.
- The statement was communicated verbally or in writing.
- Your injury resulted from the statement.
- The statement was untrue.
- The statement is not protected.
Proving damages is hard in defamation cases, since you will not suffer any physical injuries. However, in order to receive damages, you will have to prove that you suffered a loss due to the defamation. In fact, the most crucial part of a defamation case is that the false statement must have caused some quantifiable damage to you. Embarrassment or anger is not enough. You must be able to prove that the false statement caused you serious consequences like lost revenue or the loss of a relationship with your family.
Contact The Cahall Law Firm PLLC Today
Defamatory statements are untrue and usually malicious. You may not want to be seen as a snitch by reporting such an issue, but it can cause a lot more damage than you think.
A solid defamation case can bring about economic and noneconomic damages. Learn more by contacting The Cahall Law Firm PLLC. Our Sarasota defamation lawyers can help. Schedule a consultation today by calling (941) 281-2019 or filling out the online form. Call Cahall and get justice.
