Lawsuit for Calumny

Calumny is a false statement that is aimed to hurt a person’s image or reputation.  It is also known as slander, libel, or commonly “defamation of character.”  Calumny can refer to the oral or written representation of false charges and statements used maliciously by one party to harm another party’s reputation.  Whether it be a statement about your character, affiliation, or morals, calumny can turn out to be disastrous.  Some will immediately consider suing, as your character and financial reputation may be directly or indirectly hurt from calumny.

Calumny is considered a defamation of character, and therefore can be used as a cause of action in a civil lawsuit.  A defamation lawsuit is a tort that aims to receive compensation for damages directly or indirectly caused by calumny.  For example, if one company intentionally spread lies about a competing company, calumny is said to have occurred.  The victim company can then contact a civil lawyer to file a claim for a defamation lawsuit in order to possibly receive general (emotional damage or damage to reputation) or special (economical and financial damages) damages.

If you think you are a victim of calumny, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages.  A defamation lawsuit will cost money, though, and so you should be certain and decisive about your decision to file suit.  Many citizens are unaware of the procedure of filing a defamation lawsuit.  The steps below are given to assist you in finding a lawyer, filing suit, and winning your case:

1. First determine your situation to the best of your ability.

You can save a lot of headache and stress if you learn as much as you can about calumny and defamation.  A couple of things to note are the distinctions between per se and per quo, and general and special damages.  Per se is a direct calumny, spoken or written, intended to hurt your reputation.  Per quo, on the other hand, describes an indirect attack that is dependent on situation.  General damages include all non-monetary damages such as emotional or physical harm, damage to reputation, and damages to the appreciation of life.  Special damages include damages to economic wellbeing, monetary assets, or property. Knowing these distinctions will prepare you for your meeting with your lawyer.

2.  Find a local lawyer that specializes in defamation lawsuits.

Use the Internet or phonebook to search for potential lawyers to represent you.  There are many lawyers who specialize in torts and defamation lawsuits.  Finding the perfect civil lawyer for your calumny situation will ease the difficulties of the process.  At this time, your lawyer can help you analyze your situation, give legal advice, and help you file documents.  Be sure to confirm that your situation does indeed have grounds for a cause of action, and that the other party’s intent was indeed malicious.

3.  Take action against the calumny

Should you desire to continue with your defamation lawsuit, ask your lawyer to file a claim with the local court.  From here you can decide whether to take the defamation lawsuit to court or to settle with the other party out of court.

Tip:

- Settling out of court can save you precious time and money associated with the court process.
- Defamation lawsuits may lead to compensation of both general and special damages, but may require concrete proof of special damages.