Do you handle cases of libel and slander?

A: Yes.  “Defamation” is the legal term that includes both slander and libel.  Generally, slander concerns oral statements and libel concerns written statements.  To win a slander or libel lawsuit, the statement must almost always be false, and we must show that the speaker or writer knew it was false or recklessly disregarded the truth.  No matter how damaging, hurtful, insensitive, rude, or inappropriate the statement may be, if the statement is true, your case becomes very difficult to win.

Once this is established, we must generally show that you suffered an economic loss.

The law recognizes, however, that some lies are so hurtful that you do not have to show an economic loss.  The statements falling into this category are false statements about your sexual habits or false allegations of criminal conduct.

For the personal injury lawyers at Fort Worth-based Noteboom—The Law Firm, the most common defamation cases we see arise on the job.  A co-worker makes a statement that causes you to lose your job or get passed over for promotion.  These can be very hard cases, and the defense will argue that other events on the job caused your problems.