If You Want to Sue for Defamation, Here’s Your Homework
I won’t bury the lead. If you want me to determine whether you have a viable defamation action, here is the information I need. It’s your defamation homework. I’ve permanently pinned it to the top of all the articles, because it is likely to address any questions you might have about pursuing a defamation action. This is a long article, but if you take the time to read it, you will have a good understanding of all the factors necessary to analyze your case.
I NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WAS SAID, AND WHEN.
When you sue for defamation, you are suing for something that was said or written about you or your company. Therefore, the complaint that is filed with the court must allege EXACTLY what was said or written that you are claiming was false and defamatory.
The most efficient way for me to determine whether you have a viable defamation action is for you to provide that information. If there is only one statement, then that is all you will list, but if there are multiple statements you deem to be false and defamatory, then limit your list to the five most egregious examples. If I read those five and determine that they won’t support a defamation action, then 95 additional statements that are even less egregious probably won’t make a difference. Continue reading
