Did a Person’s Speech Ruin Your Reputation?
Our Los Angeles Defamation Lawyers Will Help You Prepare a Sound Legal Strategy
Defamation is a statement that injures a third party’s reputation, and includes both libel (written statements) and slander (spoken statements). The law in this area aims to protect a person’s reputation, while still protecting the alleged defamer’s first amendment right of free speech. For example, to balance these competing interests, the law requires that the plaintiff show four things:
- a defamatory statement (statement of fact or opinion that implies a representation of fact)
- of or concerning the plaintiff
- publication or communication of that statement to a third person
- damages to plaintiff
Although most defamation cases fall under a certain umbrella, there are different rules that apply to public figures. There are several privileges that serve to protect a speaker against lawsuits even if the speech was false. Some of these privileges are codified (written into our statutes). The litigation privilege, for example, applies to any communication
- made in judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings
- by litigants or other participants authorized by law
- to achieve the objects of the litigation
- that have some connection or logical relation to the action. Other privileges and defenses apply to specific claims
Contact Our Los Angeles Defamation Lawyers today to learn more about the specifics of your matter.
What Makes Our Firm Different
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Over 85 Years of Combined ExperienceAt our firm, you can trust we have the experience to handle your case successfully. Each of our attorneys bring decades of experience practicing in the areas of employment and business litigation.
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We Work as a TeamAt YMS, we believe collaboration is key to success. Working collectively with our clients ensures that every angle is explored in order to achieve the best results.
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We Are Trial AttorneysEach of our attorneys has extensive experience litigating in a courtroom. We always try to settle outside of court, but if the case requires us to go, our team is prepared to do so.
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Big-Firm Experience. Small-Firm Approach.Having previously worked at some of the largest law firms in the city, our attorneys can bring a high level experience to your case, yet keep the client-attorney relationship very personal.
At YMS, you get a team of trial lawyers with a combined experience of over 85 years looking at your case, ensuring the best course of action is taken.
