Slander

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Slander

Slander Defined

Slander is defined as:

    1.   Oral communication of false statements injurious to a person's reputation.

    2.   A false and malicious statement or report about someone.

Slander is a type of defamation, a false statement communicated to another person that damages another’s reputation by exposing them to disrespect or ridicule from other people. Examples of slander are false statements about someone at a meeting or party.

Similar to slander, Libel is published defamation in writing or picture form. Examples of libel are newspaper articles or television news broadcasts.

Slander does not exist if the words that were spoken of the supposed victim are indeed true. Truth is a whole and complete defense to a slander claim. Despite the fact that someone’s reputation was damaged by a so-called slanderous remark, you cannot recover if the remarks were true.

Slander Defenses

There are a few defenses to the charge of slander. One of the more notable defenses for slander is privilege. Someone may have spoken the words about the victim in a privileged way, meaning the law allows certain people to say certain things in certain places without fear of being of being subjected to a charge of slander.

For example, public officials performing their official duties may be protected by the privilege as well as those making statements in judicial or legislative proceedings. While certain other communications may be privileged, the rules are extremely complex and numerous to be summed up in short time. An attorney specializing in slander cases can help you with your particular case.

Being on the receiving end of slander leaves you in a position in which you must demand a retraction in order to collect all of your damages. Time limitations are in place regarding slander, and special rules and time periods must be followed when demanding a retraction.

For example, a slander retraction must be requested within 20 days from the date you learn of the slander. If the committer of the slander retracts the defamatory statement you can still sue, but you may only collect the amount of money you actually lost, without compensatory damages.

Slander Lawsuit

A slander claim must begin within one year of the date that the slanderous statement was made. If you fail to bring the suit forward by this time frame, the statute of limitations will prevent you from beginning the case later.

It does not have to be proven that actual harm to your reputation occurred to collect damages for slander if:

• Something is said about you that either affects your business, trade or profession,
  
  
• Implies you committed a crime,
  
  
• Leads on that you have a loathsome disease,
  
  
• Or suggests that you are somehow sexually impure.

Otherwise, the victim will have to prove that they have actually been damaged in order to collect for slander.

Have you have or a loved one has been the victim of a slanderous attack?  Maybe the damage from slander won’t quickly go away, but your chance for a case and compensation will if you hesitate. Don’t let the statute of limitations pass you by, contact us today.

 

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Personal Injury Resource Links

July 24, 2007 - Man Sues Bank for Slander 

March 23, 2007 - City Commission Candidate Sues Rival for Slander

March 19, 2007 - Company Managers File Slander Lawsuit