Steps and tips for suing for libel

If somebody writes a statement about you or your company that you consider to be slanderous, you may want to consider suing for libel.  Libel is when a writer knowingly writes or prints a statement that is damaging to another party. It is different from slander, as slander is an oral defamation of character.  Libel is considered a moral crime against you and may warrant action to repair your reputation.  As technology continues to grow and develop, the impact of slanderous libel grows increasingly pertinent.  The large number of peripherals and media can make it tough to maintain a solid reputation — libel can unfairly set you or your company back a few steps.

Whether it be a statement about your character, affiliation, or morals, libel can turn out to be disastrous.  Some will immediately consider suing, as your character and financial reputation may be directly or indirectly hurt from libel.  Libel that directly affects you is called libel per se.  In libel per se the libel is obvious and pronounced.  It is more serious to commit libel per se as the direct effect on your party is much more tangible.  The other libel that affect you indirectly is called libel per quod.  Libel per quod requires other circumstances to be considered libel.  Since libel per se is considered intentional and libel per quod is unintentional, it is much easier to convict a party of libel per se and subsequently prove that you have been defamed.

Suing a party for libel can remedy some of the defamation you experienced, but starting a lawsuit may prove to be expensive and wasteful.  Many people are unaware of how to go about suing another party.  Here are some steps that you can take in suing another party for libel:

1.  Consider the alternatives

If you are considering suing for libel, it is likely that a publication or editor is the defamer.  There may options other than suing that may procure the same results.  Consider demanding a retraction, rewrite, or an apology.  These alternatives may just rebuild your reputation –and possibly improve it as many consider the action of suing itself as lowly.

2.  Find an attorney

Finding an civil or criminal law attorney that specializes in libel or slander lawsuits is imperative.  Ask for consultation on whether your lawsuit is a civil or criminal case of libel.  Do not forget that laws differ between  states. It is with your attorney that you should decide whether to or not to go through with suing for compensation, along with whether you will take the issue to court or settle out of court.

3.  Take action against the libel

Whether you decide to settle out of court with the other party’s lawyer or continue with suing court, you should keep a few things in mind.  For one, the libel must have been directed at a third party.  Also, the statement of libel must have been about the plaintiff.  Thirdly, the statement must have been defamatory and untrue.  If the other party proves the truth behind the statement, you may not have a case.