Defamation

Whether you are a private individual or a company, your reputation is of the utmost importance. It can take years to build, but it can be destroyed in an instant when inaccurate allegations are levied, leaving a devastating impact on your life and on your business. The law of defamation seeks to protect those who fall prey to false allegations that damage their reputation.

When a claim is brought for defamation it must be shown that the words were defamatory, that the words would be understood to refer to the individual/company and the words have been published or spoken to a third party. In addition, an individual must establish that they have suffered ‘serious harm’ to their reputation, and a company must prove that not only did it suffer ‘serious harm’ but that the defamatory statement has caused or is likely to cause ‘serious financial loss’.

There are a number of defences to a claim for defamation including the words complained of being true; that it was an honest opinion and the publication being on a matter of public interest.

There is a one-year time limit to bring a claim for defamation. It is important to seek legal advice quickly if you think you have been defamed.