If you decide to do it alone, your letter should state the specific defamatory statements made, confirm that they are defamatory, indicate the reputational harm caused, demand an apology and retraction of those statements, and demand that they cease making further statements failing which you will sue them.
Defamation occurs when one person publishes a false statement that tends to harm the reputation of another person. Written defamation is called libel. Spoken defamation is called slander.
A defamation claim in Georgia requires the plaintiff to show that the defendant made a false and defamatory statement about him or her in an unprivileged communication to a third party. The plaintiff must show at least negligence on the part of the defendant.
Libel and slander are methods of defamation. Libel is defamation in written form. Slander is defamation that is spoken out loud.
Georgia law defines defamation as an unprivileged, false and defamatory statement, concerning the plaintiff, where the defendant was, at least, negligent in making the statement, and caused harm to the plaintiff.
The most common defenses to defamation are: 1) truth; 2) consent; 3) privilege; and 4) the statute of limitations. Perhaps the most distinct aspect of the defamation cause of action is that falsity is required.
Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations: Chart Injury to personTwo years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) Libel/slander One year (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) Fraud Two years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) Injury to personal property Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32) Professional malpractice Two years, maximum of five years from the act (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71)5 more rows
Defamation involves false statements that harm an individual's reputation. In Georgia, you can sue for defamation if you can prove that false statements were made with intent to harm your reputation.
A defamation case is a serious legal action, which means you'll want an expert defamation lawyer to help present your case. Furthermore, you'll need one who understands the complexities the age of the Internet has introduced to these kinds of cases.
The plaintiff must file a sworn statement with the clerk of the appropriate magistrate court, describing the charges made by the plaintiff against the defendant. This statement is called a statement of claim, or a claim.