What is Internet Defamation?
In simple terms, internet defamation is when someone writes something about you that is not true and this information harms your reputation. For a legal case to be made, some conditions need to be met:
- The statement made is made as a statement of “fact”. Note that a “statement of fact” is not the same as an “opinion”.
- The statement made harms your reputation. False statements are made all the time, but it only becomes libel when it also causes harm to your reputation.
- The statement was made without background research or sufficient analysis of its accuracy. Alternatively, the statement was made despite the fact that it was known to be false.
- In some cases, it is important to show that “malice” was involved. This means that the person who made the false statement did so with the intention of causing harm.
Defamation, Libel, and Slander
Defamation is a general term which includes libel and slander. Defamation is when someone makes a false statement and this statement harms your reputation. Libel is when the false statement is made in writing. It can be on a web site, in a blog, in a message board, in a review, or in any other textual manner. Slander is when the false statement is made verbally: this can be in a video, in a podcast, or in an audio file.
What You Can Do
At Adibzadeh Law Firm, we understand how disturbing it can be to have your reputation tarnished by false statements made by people who you barely know. When a false and scandalous statement is made on the internet, it can cause real-world harm. False reviews may result in;
- direct loss in sales,
- decrease in stock prices,
- cancellation of contracts and engagements,
- termination of employment,
- damage to your brand,
- damage to your reputation.
Our San Diego internet defamation lawyer team has strategies to combat and deter defamation cases. We will bring justice to the guilty parties and takes steps to remove false statements and manage the situation. In many cases, a strongly worded letter is enough to have the defamatory statements removed. However, if necessary, we will pursue the perpetrator for monetary damages.
Contact a San Diego Internet Defamation Lawyer for assistance. We have two locations to better serve you:
(925) 294-0606 Walnut Creek in northern California and
(619) 693-5300 San Diego in southern California.
Kambiz Adibzadeh
Attorney at Law / California Real Estate Broker / MBA
