Joe Osborne & Greg Francis, Personal Injury Lawyers & Founders of Osborne & Francis

Defamation and Slander Litigation

Legally Reviewed By
Greg Francis

You may have heard the age-old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt/break me.” While we would like to believe that is the case, depending on the circumstances, words alone can actually cause a lot of harm. In fact, when words are untrue they can result in serious consequences: the loss of your job, reputation, relationships, and self-esteem. Not only can untruths deprive you of opportunities and cause you severe psychological damage, but they can also be considered defamation, which is against the law.

At Osborne & Francis Law Firm, our civil rights attorneys understand all too well the terrible impact that defamation can have on your personal life, your career, and on your loved ones. That’s why we will always work hard to unveil the truth and serve what is in the best interest of our clients. If you or a loved one has suffered damages or injury as a result of a defamatory statement, our qualified attorneys can help. Call us today at (561) 293-2600.

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Video Transcript

So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:

Number One: See a doctor immediately. 

A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.

A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care. 

Number Two: Write everything down.

Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain. 

You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered. 

Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.

Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them. 

So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.

What Does Defamation Mean?

A defamatory statement is a false statement of fact that is either negligently or intentionally communicated or published to a third party. The statement causes damage personally or professionally to its subject. Defamation, sometimes referred to as “defamation of character,” is not considered a crime but instead a civil wrong or “tort.”

What is the Difference Between a Shared Opinion and a Defamatory Statement?

It’s important to note that a statement of opinion is not considered defamatory unless it is presented to a third party as a fact. This is because courts have a great interest in protecting the public’s freedom of speech. For example, if you write an article in which you state, “it seems to me that Jane Doe doesn’t care about the students she teaches,” that would likely not be considered defamation Alternatively, if you write in an article, “Jane Doe doesn’t care about the students she teaches,” that could be considered defamatory.

It is important to note that merely including phrases such as “I think” or “I believe” doesn’t automatically make a statement a protected opinion. In fact, any statements made with these phrases can be considered defamation if the person who made the statement is aware that it is false.

What is the Difference Between Libel and Slander?

There are two types of defamation: libel and slander. Libel is written/published defamation, while slander is spoken defamation. Aside from text, libel can include fake pictures or video.

Generally speaking, libel is easier to prove since it exists in a tangible medium such as an email, newspaper, or picture. Since slander is based upon what is said verbally to a third party, it can be more difficult to prove its occurrence and therefore harder to recover damages for it.

What Are Some Examples of Libel and Slander Under Florida Defamation Lawsuits?

Here are a couple of examples of libel and slander (respectively) in the context of the workplace:

  • During a meeting with his boss, John’s coworker, Bob started a false rumor that John stole property from the company. As a result his boss fires him. This could be considered libel, as the false rumor was spoken to a third party. Since John suffered damages (losing his job, pay, and any benefits) as a result of the false rumor, he could sue Bob. Even if John’s boss heard the rumor secondhand and fired John, it could still be considered libel. It doesn’t matter whether or not Bob shared the false rumor directly with his boss. This is because Bob knows that the rumor is false, tells a third party, and the subject (John) suffers damages.
  • High school teacher Rachel has romantic feelings for her assistant principal, Bill. However, he rejects her. Despite knowing it’s not true, Rachel sends an email to several other teachers at the school, stating that Bill is engaging in inappropriate relations with a student. The school district finds out and the assistant principal is fired. Since this communication is written, it could be considered slander (whether Rachel emails other teachers or the school district directly). This is because Rachel knows that the statement is false, tells a third party, and the subject (Bill) suffers damages.

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Can I Sue for Defamation and Slander?

You may be wondering what remedies are available in defamation lawsuits. If a false statement has harmed you, you may have the right to sue for defamation. If you are able to prove defamation through libel or slander, you may be able to recover monetary damages in the amount of your actual monetary losses or injuries, which may cover:

  • Lost earnings
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Impairment to reputation and standing in the community
  • Pain and suffering
  • Personal shame and humiliation

The plaintiff may also be entitled to punitive damages if the defamatory statement was made to be deliberately harmful. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for highly negligent acts or intentional conduct. Examples of this would be if the statement were made for the purpose of retribution or personal gain. It is ultimately the court’s decision as to whether punitive damages should be awarded.

Also, in limited circumstances, courts will grant plaintiffs injunctive relief. Injunctive relief, while rare, is a court-ordered act or prohibition against an act or condition, which has been requested and sometimes granted. When monetary damages will not be enough to compensate the plaintiff for his or her damages, injunctive relief can serve as a temporary suspension of a publication before a final judgment is reached.

For instance, if you are allowed to proofread an article that is about to be posted, but feel that it includes defamatory statements about your family, you can ask for injunctive relief. This will stop the article from being published until a hearing can be held to determine if it is, in fact, defamatory.

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What is Needed When Proving Defamation?

In order to prove defamation, a plaintiff must be able to demonstrate the following elements:

  1. Someone made a statement;
  2. The statement was distributed in oral or written form to a third party;
  3. The statement caused you to suffer an injury or damages;
  4. The statement that was made was false; and
  5. The statement that was made was not protected (e.g. it was not an opinion and/or it was not true).

Truth is an “absolute defense” to defamation. If the statement shared can be proven true there is no grounds for recovering any damages, as the truth cannot be considered defamatory. It’s also important to note that any statements that were made at a trial or during a deposition are privileged and are therefore protected – even if defamatory.

Proving that you suffered an injury or damages is often one of the most difficult to do. Losses resulting from a defamatory statement could include a variety of things, such as the following:

  • You were denied a job
  • You are unable to secure a job
  • You were terminated from a job
  • You were denied an opportunity
  • You now require medical treatment to cope with the outcome of the defamatory statement

Defamation, Privacy, and the First Amendment

Since our government values the freedom of speech that the First Amendment affords us, it also places much freedom on the public’s ability to speak out about elected officials and other public figures. Public figures receive less protection from defamatory statements and have a higher burden of proof when it comes to winning a defamation lawsuit.

When a public official or celebrity experiences a false and harmful statement, the official or celebrity must not only prove the aforementioned five elements, but must also prove that the statement was made with “actual malice.” Actual malice occurs when someone makes a statement that they knew was untrue at the time that it was made or they had a reckless disregard for its truth.

This actual malice requirement is due to the fact that public figures can expect less of a right to privacy than those who do not choose to place themselves in the public. In other words, it comes with the territory.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Defamation?

It’s relatively clear that if proven, the individual who makes the defamatory statement can be held liable for defamation. However, it’s important that people understand that they can commit defamation simply by repeating a defamatory statement that someone else made.

For instance, imagine your ex-boyfriend (or ex-girlfriend) falsely tells a large group of your neighbors that you served time in prison for murder. Among this group is a podcast host who records and plays the whole conversation on her podcast. In this situation your ex could be found guilty of slander, while the podcast host could be found guilty for libel. You could bring a claim against each party separately.

When should I file a defamation lawsuit?

C. Smith

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“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

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"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

Alfred

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Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

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E. Holland

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Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

T. Andrews

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“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

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Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

In working hard to prove your case, It’s so important to preserve the necessary evidence and witness testimony. At Osborne & Francis Law Firm we work hard to do just that.

When working with us, your case will be assigned to experts and investigators. As a Black-owned law firm, our goal is to ensure that everyone receives proper treatment regarding themselves and their case – regardless of who they are or where they come from.

This can most recently be evidenced by our firm’s selection as an honoree of the Daily Business Review’s Annual Legal Award for “Diversity and Inclusion.” Through cohesion, character, conviction, and contributions, we strive to do so by supporting and uplifting the surrounding Boca Raton and Orlando communities.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been defamed, you have rights. Defamation – regardless of its form – can have undeniably negative repercussions on your life and the lives of those around you. Our defamation lawyers work with individuals across the country. We are here to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us at (561) 293-2600 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I file a defamation lawsuit?

It’s extremely important that you consult with an attorney and file a claim for defamation as soon as possible. This is because under Florida law, there is a strict limit as to the amount of time that you have to bring such a claim. This time period, known as the statute of limitations, is 2 years from the date that the defamatory statement was first made.

What is cyber defamation or internet defamation?

Cyber or internet defamation is much like its oral or written counterparts. The only difference is that it occurs online in places like blog and social media posts, public comments and reviews, or private/direct messages (DMs). As the internet has grown, it has become one of the most likely places for defamation to occur.

What type of evidence can support a defamation claim?

It’s essential that you document all evidence as soon as possible. For written or text-based libel, that means saving copies (whether in pictures, screenshots, or downloads) of the writing responsible for defaming your character. Since many online communications can easily be deleted, maintaining a copy of the defamatory comment can help to prove that it did in fact occur.

For those who have been the subject of slanderous spoken comments, it’s key to identify potential witnesses who heard the defamatory comments made about you and to gather their personal information (name, telephone number, etc).

How can a defamation and slander lawyer help?

While filing a claim for libel or slander can be done on your own, it can be extremely detailed and complex. An experienced defamation attorney can help identify the legal issues at play (e.g. libel vs. slander) and help to determine whether you have a case for defamation. Contact Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 to speak with an attorney who can help you reach a favorable outcome.