Defamation, Slander and Libel
Civil Litigation Solicitors
Call 0208 313 7804 or Make an Online Enquiry
If you believe that you have been the victim of defamation, Slander or Libel then
MTA Solicitors can help you with your defamation case and winning compensation for any damage to your personal or business reputation.
With an experienced defamation team of solicitors, MTA can advise you and provide the best course of legal action to win the best compensation for your loss of reputation.
Contact MTA Solicitors on 0208 313 7804 or make an Online Enquiry and an expert defamation law legal advisor will contact you.
What is Defamation?
Defamation is a false statement made by one individual about another. This statement attempts to discredit that person's character, reputation or credit worthiness. In order to be defamatory, such a statement must be communicated to at least one other person.
What is the difference between Slander and Libel?
Defamation law helps to protect the reputations of both individuals and businesses when these come under unjustified attack. The two types of defamation are:
- Libel: in which the publication of an untrue allegation causes damage
to reputation
- Slander: in which the damaging allegation is by way of an untrue
oral statement
In a nutshell, if a defamatory statement is spoken then it is described as slander. However, if it is written, broadcast or shown in a film it is described as libel.
How do I know if I have a Claim?
In order to have a successful action for defamation the Claimant would need to show that:
- The statement itself was defamatory. This means that the statement would
be likely to degrade the person concerned in the estimation of what a Court
would call "right thinking people". A mere insult is insufficient.
- That these statements had been communicated to a third person.
If someone had simply insulted someone to their face this would not
entitle them to sue.
- That it would be possible to identify the individual from the statements.
In the case of slander, you will also normally need to show that you have suffered a financial loss as a result of the defamatory statements.
If someone accuses me of defamation, what defences might I have?
If you are accused of defaming someone's character the most obvious defence would be that the statement was true. It can also be a defence to say that the statement was fair comment and in the public interest or simply that the words used would not be likely to lower someone's reputation in the minds of right thinking people. There are lots of other more technical defences. Individual advice should always be sought.
You should seek the advice of a defamation law expert before taking any action in a dispute. Contact MTA Solicitors today on 0208 313 7804 or make a quick Online Enquiry
Local Solicitors with National coverage
MTA Solicitors LLP is a leading national law firm. Our Solicitors in Bromley, Kent, Solicitors in Manchester, and Solicitors in London provide accessible, straightforward, legal advice and legal services. We are local solicitors who provide national coverage, with the ability to represent clients from anywhere in England and Wales.