Legal Question in Personal Injury in District of Columbia

Suing for Defamation.

I wanted to know what were the guidelines to establish a suit for defamation and how much money is the typical defamation law suit?


Asked on 6/07/04, 9:12 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Suing for Defamation.

To prove defamation, you must establish that someone knowingly, or with reckless disregard for the truth, spoke (slander) or published (libel) a false statement about you. An expression of opinion, such as "X is a stupid idiot", is not defamation. You also have to prove that the statement harmed you in some way, not just that your feelings were hurt. There are some kinds of defamation where the harm is presumed.

These cases are extremely difficult, and there is no way to tell you what the typical case is worth.

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Answered on 6/07/04, 9:25 am
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: Suing for Defamation.

Damages are based upon your situation and you should discuss this with an attorney.

Defamation can be written (libel) or slander (spoken). There must be publication to a third

party of an untruth.

You would file a complaint and pursue your case in court or possibly through settlement.

Contact an attorney.

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Answered on 6/07/04, 11:05 am


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