What can I do if my or my business’s reputation has been harmed?

A defamation crisis can be time consuming and costly for you and your business. Our solicitors can advise you to resolve your matter as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible.

Defamation of character and business can be costly and stressful to navigate.

What is defamation and slander?

Defamation is when a person or organisation uses language to ruin your or your business’s reputation.

The Defamation Act 2013 states that a statement is not defamatory unless its publication has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to the reputation of the claimant. Harm to the reputation of a body that trades for profit is not ‘serious harm’ unless it has caused or is likely to cause the body serious financial loss.

There are two types of defamation: libel and slander.

Slander is spoken defamation.

Libel is a form of written defamation. It is anything published or broadcast such as e-mail, websites, employee references, social media, business reviews, online articles and print media like newspapers.

Proving your claim

To prove defamation a business must establish the following:

1.      False Statement

2.      Publication

3.      Harm

4.      Negligence or Malice

What remedies are available?

There are a variety of remedies available and we can advise you on the most suitable option depending on your objective. Some of the options are:

1.      Financial compensation for the loss incurred

2.      A public apology and retraction of the statement

3.      A public correction of the statement

4.      Injunction to prevent further defamation

Prior to commencing court action, it is important to consider the merits of your claim as the courts can make costs orders against the losing party.

Many claims settle successfully without the need for court action which can be costly.

To find out how we can help you, contact us on hello@stefanisolicitors.com or 020 8161 0518 for a free of charge 15 minutes introductory call.