Slander is a false statement orally communicated to another person or the general public that damages another’s reputation by exposing them to disrespect or ridicule from other people.

Examples of slander are false statements made at a meeting or party. In order to prove slander, you have to be able to prove that what was said about you was false. If the information is true, you will not have a slander lawsuit case.

However, you may bring a lawsuit for slander if the remarks are so reprehensible and false that they effect your reputation in the community. However, it is not necessary that your reputation actually be harmed in order to collect damages for slander.

If a false statement about you is made that results in a decline in your business, trade or profession, you may still recover damages for slander. Additionally, if the slanderous comment implies you committed a crime, have a disease or suggests that you are sexually impure, you may also have a case for slander. In all other cases the victim will have to prove that they have actually been damaged in order to collect compensation in a slander lawsuit.

There are only a few situations which can be used as defense to a slander lawsuit. One of the situations used for defense of slander is that of privilege. If the comments about the victim were made in a place or to certain people which protects them from being subjected to a slander lawsuit, this would qualify as a privileged situation.

For instance, public officials performing their official duties and those making statements in judicial or legislative proceedings are in a privileged situation which protects them from slander lawsuits. Additionally, other communications may be privileged and protected from slander lawsuits, such as to therapists or other mental health professionals. However, in these situations the rules are extremely complex.

An experienced personal injury lawyer knowledgeable in slander lawsuits can help you determine your legal rights and options with your particular slander case.

In order to collect all of the damages possible in a slander lawsuit, you must first demand a retraction or public apology for the slanderous comment. This should be done immediately because there are time limitations regarding slander, as well as rules and time periods which must be followed when demanding a retraction for a slanderous comment.

For instance, a slander retraction typically must be requested within 20 days from the date you learn of the slanderous comment. If the person or party that committed the slander retracts the statement, you can still file a slander lawsuit.

However, you will likely not recover as much of the compensation as you would if the offender did not retract the slanderous statement. Additionally, a slander lawsuit must be filed within one year of the date that the slanderous statement was made. This statute of limitations requires you as a victim of slander to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer knowledgeable in slander cases as soon as possible.

If you fail to bring the slander lawsuit within the time frame, you will be unable to recover damages from the slander case.

If you have become the victim of slander, you should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer knowledgeable in slander lawsuits. The actual damages from slander will not recede quickly, but your chance for a slander lawsuit case and compensation for the slanderous remark may.

To avoid missing the deadline set by the statute of limitations, contact an experienced slander attorney immediately to discover your legal rights and options in your possible slander case.

If you, or a loved one, have been the victim of slander in Kansas or Missouri, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation and case evaluation.