QUESTION
Can I sue someone for defamation of character if a person wrote a statement about me on a public discussion?
Asked on Jan 04th, 2014 on Litigation - Idaho
More details to this question:
The person said I have a drug house and that I sell drugs. Which is absolutely false.
9 ANSWERS
Personal Injury Attorney serving Las Vegas, NV
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James E. Smith, LTD
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Yes, if you have damages.
Answered on Jan 08th, 2014 at 5:32 AM
Michael J. Breczinski
Yes you can sue them for slander and libel.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 8:13 PM
James Eugene Hasser
Yes. Falsely accusing someone of a crime in writing is libel.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 8:13 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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You certainly can sue. There is no insurance that covers this sort of thing so make sure she has assets you can get to to satisfy a judgment.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 8:12 PM
Yes you can sue, but winning is another thing altogether. First can you prove who wrote the statement? Second, I assume you can prove it is false. Third, can you prove the statement was published? I believe you can based on what you've said. Fourth, can you prove who read the statements? And if you can then how has your character actually been damaged? Do you have other things online that are worse? In other words how will you prove your good name and character have been altered and damaged? These are interesting cases but proving them can be very difficult.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 8:12 PM
You might be able to sue them, if you can prove who made the statement and if the statement was false. But why would you bother? A defamation case would cost you thousands of dollars in attorney fees and it is very likely the person who made the statement would not be able to pay a judgment anyway. Consult a local attorney if you want to proceed, but keep the costs in mind.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 8:12 PM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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You can, but you also have to be able to prove that the person knew it was false when the statement was published.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 8:11 PM
Ronald A. Steinberg
Accusing you of a crime is "defamation per se." You sue for the loss of standing in the community.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 8:10 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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Yes, you can sue for libel. Of course if the person has no money, it may cost you more than you can recover.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 7:39 PM