Defamation & Slander Cases

Protecting Your Reputation: Defamation, Slander & Libel Attorneys in New York

False statements can cause irreparable harm to your personal and professional life. At Held & Hines LLP, our New York civil rights attorneys stand ready to defend—and if necessary, restore—your good name.

What Is Defamation?

Defamation arises when someone communicates a false statement about you to others, resulting in reputational harm. Under New York law, defamation splits into:

Libel: Written or published false statements (e.g., articles, social media posts, blogs).

Slander: Spoken false statements (e.g., broadcast comments, speeches, gossip).

Four Elements of a Defamation Claim

To prevail on a defamation suit, you must establish that the defendant:

Made a false factual statement (oral or written).
Identified you (expressly or by implication).
Published that statement to at least one third party without privilege or consent.
Caused you injury, unless it qualifies as defamation per se.

Defamation Per Se in New York

In a per se case, New York law presumes harm, so you need not prove specific damages. Categories include false statements that:

Imply you committed a serious crime;
Attack your business, trade, profession, or office;
Impute that you have a loathsome disease; or
Charge you are unchaste or sexually immoral.

Beyond the Basics: Damages & Statute of Limitations

Damages
- General damages: Presumed harm to reputation and emotional distress.
- Special damages: Out-of-pocket losses (lost clients, business opportunities).
- Punitive damages: In cases of actual malice (knowing falsehood or reckless disregard).
Time Limits

New York’s statute of limitations for defamation is one year from the publication date (CPLR § 215).

How Held & Hines LLP Can Help

Our team combines deep New York practice-area expertise with a client-centered approach:

Case Evaluation & Strategy
- Thorough review of statements, context, and publication channels.
- Assessment of damages—including economic and reputational impact.
Pleadings & Motions
- Drafting precise complaints or answers, anticipating defenses like truth, opinion, fair report privilege, and consent.
- Handling motions to dismiss, anti-SLAPP applications under CPLR § 3211(g), and summary judgment.
Discovery & Evidence
- Securing witness testimony, digital records, and expert affidavits.
- Tracing online posts, social-media metadata, and retraction demands.
Negotiation & Trial
- Aggressive settlement negotiations or media-savvy retraction campaigns.

Preparedness to litigate at trial if the defendant refuses to make amends.

Why Choose Held & Hines LLP?

Reputation Restoration:

We prioritize swift corrective measures—retractions, apologies, and media follow-up.

Track Record:

Significant recoveries for clients in both libel and slander cases.

Holistic Support:

Counseling on reputation management, privacy measures, and digital cleanup.

No Fees Unless You Win:

Our contingency-fee arrangements align our interests with yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as “publication” in today’s digital world?

Any broadcast, social‐media post, blog comment, or website update accessible by third parties can constitute publication.

Can I sue for opinion statements?

Pure opinions—presented as subjective views rather than asserted facts—are generally protected. We analyze context to challenge disguised factual allegations.

What if the defendant issues an apology or retraction?

We negotiate corrective language and, when needed, court-approved retractions. Apologies can mitigate damage and support settlement.

How long do I have to file?

You must file within one year of the statement’s first publication. Delays can bar your claim entirely.

Take Action to Defend Your Good Name

Don’t let false statements define your reputation. Contact Held & Hines LLP today for a confidential consultation. Our New York defamation attorneys will guide you from evaluation through resolution—restoring both your name and peace of mind.

855.HELD.HINES