Libel, Slander And Defamation Legal Questions

There are two things you can call a person that, if you can prove they called you this and also prove damages, could form the basis of a slander complaint: a murderer, or an adulterer.  Calling someone gay- and certainly "implying" someone is a homosexual- is not slander. Calling a person "gay" is no longer considered a slur. It is illegal to discriminate against someone because they are homosexual, so how can it be illegal to call someone homosexual?  It isn't. That being said, whether or not the person in question is gay or straight, this scenario begs the question of why someone would feel the need to antagonize another person over their sexual orientation, whatever it may be. I hope this conversation (if it isn't completely hypothetical) isn't taking place at work, because it could form the basis of a sexual harassment complaint against the antagonizer- regardless of whether it was stated or implied.... Read More

This is a repeat of a prior question. First, you need a good attorney to handle the stalking issue. You do have some time on any defamation, so get with a very good attorney on the stalking issue. Once that is handled, and if handled successfully, you may be able to  include the attorney fees as your damage in any defamation case. Your situation involves major factual and procedural issues. These are issues that we can discuss. If you are interested in pursuing the matter further, I off an initial 1/4 hour consultation without charge, and a 1/2 hour consultation for $50. If you want to set an appointment for the initial consultation, feel free to telephone, or email, my office; if you are outside of the Salt Lake area, we can handle all of this by phone.

David R. Hartwig

 801-486-1715
drhlaw@ix.netcom.com... Read More

Yes, absolutely. In Virginia, all that is required to maintain a cause of action for defamation is (a) publication (b) of an actionable statement (c) with the requisite intent. (See https://www.virginiadefamationlawyer.com/2013/02/defamation-of-character-libel-and-slander-law-in-virginia.html). If a former employer poses as a customer and posts a false review containing highly damaging statements about your business, there is a good chance that all three of those elements have been satisfied.... Read More

These facts are not clear.  However, if someone has made a factual statement about you that you can prove is 100% false, and that it caused an economic harm, you may be able to file a defamation claim.  You should contact an attorney immediately as there are very short deadlines to file these types of claims.... Read More

The can't just throw you out on demand, they would have to evict you. If your lease is up, however, they sare not required to renew it and the last day is the last day. If you hold over, again, they will evict you. As to the "racist" commentary, it might be defamation BUT you will have to decide if you want to spend money out of pocket suing over the issue and such cases are not inexpensive. ... Read More

This would be a classic defamation case as described. Unfortunately, to prepare you, these cases are rarely handled on anything other than an hourly rate/retainer basis, and not a contingent fee, where lawyers get paid only if they win, for a variety of reasons. You can contact our office at 813-877-6442 for a free telephone consultation. ... Read More

You wil probably need to hire a lawyer to address this. Unfortunately, such issues are often hotly contested and result in expensive litigation as they are NOT generally contingent fee cases.. We handle such cases and provide free consultations to determine how to retain our office to help. You can call us at 1-800-922.6442. ... Read More

Sure you can hire a lawyer to pursue a defamation lawsuit or send a cease and desist letter. Such cases are expensive and can become hotly litigated and are NOT contingent fee cases like car accidents but usually handled on an hourlyrate/retainer basis. If you want to pursue such a case - we do handle them and you can contact our office 1-800-922-6442. ... Read More