Defamation

Defamation

A defamatory statement is one which lowers the reputation of the claimant in the view of right-thinking members of society.   If a defamatory statement is made verbally, it is known as slander and, if in a more permanent form (writing or audio recording) it is known as libel.

The Defamation Act 2013 introduced the “serious harm” test.  As the test suggests, the damage to reputation must be serious, it cannot be trivial or transient.

In order to avoid Court proceedings, we offer a fixed fee service in sending “Cease & Desist” letters to demand no further defamatory comments made, as well as, where appropriate that the comments be withdrawn and an apology be given.  If this is not enough damages can be recovered for damage to reputation or to recover financial losses caused by the defamatory statement.