In Georgia, you can sue for defamation if you can prove that false statements were made with intent to harm your reputation.
- A viable defamation claim under Georgia law consists of: (1) a false and defamatory statement concerning the plaintiff: (2) an unprivileged communication to a third party; (3) fault by the defendant amounting at least to negligence; and (4) special harm or the action ability of the statement irrespective of special ...
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. In other words, the statement publicized about the plaintiff must be false in order to prove defamation.
Second, libel is actionable per se (i.e. without proof of damage) whereas slander, subject to exceptions (see below), is actionable only upon proof of 'special' damage (actual damage is probably a less misleading and therefore better phrase to use though)
Stay Calm : Don't react impulsively. Gather Information : Understand the details of the gossip or slander. Maintain Professionalism : Keep your composure and avoid retaliating. Address the Source : If appropriate, consider speaking directly to the person spreading the rumors.
Slander can be hard to prove, as the complainant must show the slanderer was driven by malice and knew their claims were false. Slander is different from libel, which are false statements made through print or broadcast.
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
(a) A person commits the offense of criminal defamation when, without a privilege to do so and with intent to defame another, living or dead, he communicates false matter which tends to blacken the memory of one who is dead or which exposes one who is alive to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, and which tends to provoke a ...