Broadly, defamation is any false communication that destroys or otherwise harms a person’s reputation. It includes a statement presented as a fact intended to cause such harm.
Defamation can further be categorized into slander or libel. Slanderous statements are those that are defamatory and published via speaking. Libelous comments are those that are defamatory and made in writing.
Regarding opinion, such a statement does not generally amount to defamation since, objectively, they are not true or false. However, a court may find liability for libel when the statement of opinion or a true statement taken out of context contains some false implication or defamatory innuendo.
Virginia’s and Washington D.C.’s civil codes regarding defamation also encompass libel and slander and provide for damages where a false statement damages someone’s reputation depending on the person’s intent making the false statements.
When Have I Been Defamed?
To find someone liable for defamation, the plaintiff in a defamation cause of action must show:
- The defendant made an actionable statement;
- The statement was about or concerned the plaintiff;
- There was publication of the statement; and
- The defendant had the requisite intent when making the statement.
An “actionable statement” means a statement that is both false and defamatory in that it causes some harm to the plaintiff or his reputation. It is the plaintiff’s burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the statement is false. In other words, it must be shown that the fact that the statement was false is likely more accurate than not.
To prove that the defendant made the defamatory statement about or concerning the plaintiff, the plaintiff should show that the statement was intended to cite the plaintiff and would be understood as concerning the plaintiff by someone who knew him.
Publication of the statement means that the statement was published to a third party and without privilege.
The requisite intent of the defendant that must be proved to hold him liable for defamation includes a showing that the defendant knew that the statement was false or acted recklessly or negligently in determining whether the statement was false. Recklessness occurs when the person making the defamatory statement did not do enough in determining whether the statement was false. Negligently making a false statement means that the defendant was unreasonable in deciding and making the falsity.
When defending a defamation lawsuit, a defendant will successfully show that the statements made were substantially factual. For example, if the defendant said that the plaintiff stole a green shirt, but the shirt was blue, the court might find that the allegedly defamatory statement was substantially true and relieve the defendant of liability.
Defamation Per Se
Defamation per se involves statements that are presumed to be defamatory and, in a successful cause of action, damages are presumed. The presumption of defamation and damages exists because these statements are considered so damaging that the plaintiff must not prove his reputation harm.
A statement that is defamatory on its face can include:
- A statement that the plaintiff is committing or has committed a crime
- A statement that the plaintiff has some contagious disease which would likely result in exclusion from society if it were true
- A statement that the plaintiff is unfit to perform the functions of his office or employment, or one that would undermine the plaintiff in his profession or trade
What Damages are Awarded in a Defamation Cause of Action?
Generally, three types of damages are awarded in a plaintiff’s successful defamation cause of action.
- Actual Damages: These damages are designed to compensate the plaintiff for the quantifiable harm suffered. The purpose of these compensatory damages is to put the plaintiff in the position he was in before the defamation occurred.
- Presumed Damages: Available in defamation per se cases, these damages are awarded because, in the eyes of the law, the statements are inherently defamatory, and the harm to the plaintiff’s reputation is presumed.
- Punitive Damages: These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer. In Virginia, punitive damages for defamation are capped at $350,000. In order to award them in a defamation lawsuit, a court must find that the defendant acted with actual malice. Additionally, in defamation per se cases, compensatory damages are not required to award punitive damages.
What Can I Do to Stop Defamation?
One of the easiest and most common ways to stop defamation is by sending what is known as a Cease and Desist Letter. Cease and desist letters explain the offense that the letter’s subject may be liable for and explain that a lawsuit will be filed if the unwanted behavior continues or is not remedied. In the case of defamation, a cease and desist letter will likely require that the potential defendant retract any false statements made about the letter’s author. Additionally, the letter should show that there is enough evidence to pursue a defamation lawsuit, including the reasons as to why the statements are false.
It should be noted that cease and desist letters are formal documents that require certain statements and formats. As such, it would be wise to hire a lawyer with experience in defamation to prepare and send a cease and desist letter.
Should I Contact an Attorney?
Defamation can severely and negatively affect a person’s life. False statements can ruin a person’s reputation and affect their professional life. If false statements about you have been made to others, whether by written or oral communication, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused by the falsities to your reputation. The skilled attorneys at McClanahan Powers, PLLC are available to help you prepare a cease and desist letter or file a lawsuit should your situation warrant it.
If you have suffered harm to your reputation because of defamation, contact McClanahan Powers, PLLC at 703-520-1326, or visit our website and schedule your consultation today.