The amount one can sue for defamation varies widely based on several factors including the severity and extent of damage caused by the defamatory statement. However, damages typically range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on circumstances such as loss earnings and emotional distress.
A person who wishes to take legal action for defamation must be able to prove that they have suffered, or could suffer, 'serious harm'. If a corporation is suing for defamation, it needs to prove that it has suffered 'serious financial loss' as a result of the publication of the allegedly defamatory matter.
Generally, to prove defamation, you must show that a false statement was made, about you, to third parties, and which caused you damage. Once you have evaluated your case, and determined that you can satisfy these elements, you can then proceed with pursuing your matter.
Generally, to win a defamation lawsuit, you must prove that: Someone made a statement; The statement was published; The statement caused your injury; The statement was false; and. The statement did not fall into a privileged category.
Is it hard to win a defamation case? Defamation lawsuits are challenging because they require a lot of fact-finding. It may require experts to testify on your behalf about the psychological and emotional harm you've suffered. Unless your lawyer is working on a contingency basis, it can also be quite costly.
Injury. To succeed in a defamation lawsuit, the plaintiff must show the statement to have caused injury to the subject of the statement. This means that the statement must have hurt the reputation of the subject of the statement.
Truth, or substantial truth, is a complete defense to a claim of defamation.
Utah Code Section 76-9-404.
What does a defamed person need to prove in court? publication of a statement (verbal and/or written); the defamer must intend to defame a person; there must be harm or injury; and. the publication must violate a person's right to his/her good name, reputation and dignity.
Statutes of Limitations in Utah Cause of ActionStatute Product liability: 2 years Utah Code § 78B-6-706 (2025) Property damage: 3 years or 4 years (car accidents only) Utah Code § 78B-2-305(2) (2025) Utah Code § 78B-2-307(3) (2025) Slander: 1 year Utah Code § 78B-2-302(4) (2025) Trespass: 3 years Utah Code § 78B-2-305(1) (2025)10 more rows •