Understanding Defamation and How to Address It 

If someone has said something untrue about you, your family, or your business, you will want to know what your options are. After all, your reputation could be threatened by the false statements, or your business could suffer lost income as a result. What can you do if you think you’ve suffered defamation? Below, we’ll help you understand what defamation is and how to handle it.

What is Defamation? 

Defamation is when someone makes an untrue statement or statements that damages your reputation or character. When the false statement is made to multiple people or shared on the internet, it can go from a mere insult to an act of defamation. 

Defamation has two types: 

1. Libel, which involves printed words 
2. Slander, which involves spoken words. 

Libel tends to have a longer-lasting effect as printed words can linger online and through print media. Historically, libel involved false statements published in newspapers, books, and magazines. Currently, both libel and slander can be shared in many different ways. Unfortunately, defamation can happen quickly and easily through online comments and social media. Defamation can include any of the following and more: 

• False statements about a person, their family, or business 
• Modified or “photoshopped” pictures of someone to cast them negatively 
• Cyberbullying
• False online business reviews
• Comments in online chats
• Video statements posted online 

Defamation can happen almost anywhere at any time. It is important to take quick action to restore your reputation if you think you’ve been defamed. 

Was I Defamed? 

Some signs that a statement could be defamatory and subject to legal action can include: 

• The statement was made public for others to see, hear, or read. 
• The statement is false. A truthful statement, even if harmful, is not defamation. 
• The statement affects your personal and/or professional life or impacts your family. 
• The statement goes beyond mere speculation and is presented as being the truth when it is not.
• If you are a public figure or someone who has made the news for any reason, you would normally be required to prove “actual malice.” That is, you’ll need to show the person who made the defamatory statement intentionally to harm you. 

Many statements can fall into a gray area or be defended through claims of free speech, lack of intent, or some other defense. A lawyer with experience handling a defamation lawsuit can help evaluate your next steps. 

Steps to Take In Response to Defamation 

It is hard to carry on when you know a false statement is circulating about you. It can affect your personal life, your family life, your job, and even your health. Whether you think the statement is legally defamatory or not, you should take quick action. This includes: 

• Taking the threat seriously: You might not want to cause trouble, or make the situation worse. But you should take any false statement about you seriously and find the proper response. 
• Collecting evidence: If the statement about you is printed or online, make copies or take screenshots. If the false statement is on audio or video, get a copy of the statement on file. You will need proof of what was said to pursue a defamation claim.
• Consulting with a lawyer: Defamation laws can be complex, and each case depends on the facts involved. An experienced defamation attorney can give you a professional evaluation of the situation and work with you on the next steps. An attorney who’s handled these situations before can determine how to reach a potential resolution that is efficient and helps you move forward with your life.

By taking the threat seriously, gathering evidence, and consulting with an experienced attorney, you can better navigate the legal complexities and work toward a resolution that restores your good name.

Talk to an Experienced Portland Personal Injury Lawyer If You Have Suffered Defamation 

If you think you were defamed by someone else, you should seek skilled legal help as soon as possible. Whether or not you can prove defamation will depend on the situation. Tillman Law Personal Injury Lawyers understand that personal injury is not always physical–harm to your reputation can be just as damaging as a physical injury. Our dedicated legal team will help you pursue a defamation claim and any compensation that may be involved. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Portland at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland personal injury lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve all throughout Multnomah County in Oregon. Visit our office at:

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7