Need to find a lawyer for libel or slander?

If you need to know how to sue someone for defamation of character, you need to find a lawyer who specialises in this type of case. Samuels Solicitors has a niche specialism dealing with defamation claims, and has represented clients in high profile libel cases in the High Court. 

What is defamation of character?

Defamation of character is a term used by lawyers to describe the harm caused to your reputation when someone makes an untrue statement about you. Defamation of character can be either libel (where the untrue words are written) or slander (generally, where the untrue words are spoken). 

Both libel and slander are types of defamation of character. 

Can I sue someone for defamation of character?

You can sue someone for defamation of character, if:

• A statement has been published about you which is untrue;
• The person publishing did not honestly believe the statement was true;
• The publication of the untrue statement has caused serious harm to your reputation;
• The untrue statement was published less than 12 months ago;
• There was no public interest in the untrue statement being published; and
• In slander cases, you also generally need to be able to prove that the publication of the statement has caused you financial loss.

If you satisfy all of these requirements, you may be able to bring a claim for libel or slander.

What do I get if I sue for defamation of character?

If you meet all of the criteria for bringing a claim for libel or slander, you could sue the defendant to compensate you for the harm they have caused to you, and to make sure they don't repeat the untrue statements again. 

In a defamation of character case, you can sue for:

• damages, where the defendant is ordered to pay you a sum of money as compensation for the harm which has been caused to your reputation;
• an injunction, to prevent the defendant from publishing the same libellous or slanderous statements again. If the defendant breaches the injunction, they can be arrested and put in prison; and
• legal costs, so that the defendant has to pay the majority of the costs you incurred in bringing your claim.

If you are able to reach a negotiated settlement with the defendant before the matter goes to court, or before the final trial, the defendant may agree to publish an apology (in the same way as the original defamatory statements were published). Alternatively, they may agree to read a statement in court apologising for their behaviour and acknowledging that what they said about you is untrue. In defamation law, this is called a "statement in open court". 

Find a defamation lawyer

Defamation is a specialist area of law and you should therefore look for a solicitor who has a proven track record in dealing with cases of libel and slander. Starting off a defamation claim in the wrong way (if you do it yourself, or if you have a solicitor who is not a specialist) can be very costly and can harm your prospects of success. 

At Samuels Solicitors, we act for clients all over the UK, bringing claims for libel and slander in the High Court in London, on a daily basis. We have dealt with high profile cases, which have been of great interest in the national media, involving high profile individuals and large settlement figures, as well as acting for numerous companies and businesses which have been harmed because of the publication of false and defamatory reviews. 

If you need a defamation of character lawyer, who is experienced and will be able to help you successfully navigate your claim, we would be happy to hear from you. 

If you would like to speak to one of our specialist defamation lawyers today, contact us to find out how we can help.