Defamation of Character in CT

If you are curious about whether or not you have the evidence needed for a defamation of character in CT legal case, you need to set aside time to meet with an attorney immediately. A defamation of character in CT case can be very complex, which is why it is recommended that you find a dedicated attorney who has handled legal cases like this before prior to moving forward with your next steps. The support of an attorney is recommended in these cases as it can be very overwhelming and difficult to navigate these circumstances without the support of a lawyer.

In order to proceed with a defamation of character in CT case, you must understand the basic elements of a defamation of character claim. This refers to publicly distributing or making a false statement of fact about another business or person. The defamatory statement can be broken down into two different types of cases: this is slander if the statement is spoken and libel if the statement is written. Defamation is a civil wrong or a tort in Connecticut. If a person has been defamed and can prove this in court, they are entitled to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and pursue monetary damages. The primary purposes of defamation laws in CT are to prevent damage and injury to another person's reputation, company, respect, goodwill, or esteem.

As the victim of defamation of character, you must prove several different elements inside your case. It is very important to understand these situations and when your case rises to the level of defamation of character. In order to succeed with a defamation of character in CT case, you must meet the following requirements:

• The statement must have been published or communicated to another third party. Private accusations do not meet the grounds for defamation of character in CT.
• The statement must be false and can be made recklessly, negligently or willfully.
• The statement under review must identify the defamed person or party but does not need to be made directly by name.
• The subject of the defamation must suffer reputational damage as a result of the statement, this ultimately falls to a judge or jury to evaluate.

Connecticut does not have criminal defamation statutes in place, however, some individuals may be subject to professional disciplinary actions associated with defamatory statements, such as lawyers.

A defamation of character in CT case should always be handled by talented attorneys. These attorneys should be contacted as soon as possible after the incident of defamation because there are so many complex issues at play. The defamation statute of limitations in Connecticut is longer than in most states, meaning that per Connecticut general statutes 52-597, you have a maximum of two years to file a libel or slander claim.

There are many different kinds of defamation of character cases in CT, including defamation per se. This is a special type of slander or libel in which a person is falsely accused of a condition or inherently defamatory act. Whether or not a statement is defamation per se will fall to the court rather than a jury to decide. There are some types of situations in which a defamation per se case may be brought, in which the defendant accused the plaintiff of;

• A crime associated with moral turpitude.
• A crime resulting in infamous penalties, such as a prison sentence or higher.
• Improper lack of skill, integrity, or conduct in one's profession.

The specifics of defamation of character will always fall down to the allegations in your claim. You should discuss with the lawyers at Morgan & Morgan possible damages in your case for defamation of character in CT. The sooner that you can speak to an attorney, the easier it will be for you to decide how to move forward and what evidence you may need to gather to support your legal claim. General damages are available in defamation lawsuits and Connecticut. These include actual damages for material or reputational loss, as well as mental suffering compensation. 

In a defamation per se case in Connecticut, damages are presumed by law and plaintiffs are not responsible for proving actual damages. Punitive damages in Connecticut are limited to litigation-related expenses and attorney’s fees. Special damages may be awarded in a defamation of character case in CT, in which a plaintiff can prove they suffered economic damage. Loss of business profit and loss of employment are two common examples. If the act of defamation is found insignificant, nominal damages can be awarded a sum of $1 is typical of nominal damage awards. 

As you can see, with so many different types of defamation cases in Connecticut, you need to have experienced and qualified lawyers working on your side to assist you with this process. The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan understand the various elements involved in a defamation of character claim and will do everything possible to give you an upfront evaluation of your case.

In addition to the medium in which the defamation of character is shared, libel and slander can also be distinct in other ways. For example, libel is different because it can leave a permanent and lasting record, such as on a newspaper article, TV, broadcast, email, or posting on a website. Slander, on the other hand, does not lead to a permanent record, and can be as simple as a gesture or a spoken statement. In order to succeed with your defamation of character in CT claim, you will need to establish the kind of defamation that occurred, and this is the first step towards illustrating your claim.

Certain legal clauses prevent some kinds of claims from being identified as libel or slander. Disparagement is one example that safeguards a plaintiff or their goods, economic and commercial interests. This includes property ownership and more nonliquid assets than defamation. False light is another exception when a defamatory statement about an individual is published, it gives the impression that the statement is factual when it is not. False light is established to guard the emotional and mental wellbeing, rather than to protect the plaintiff's reputation. Freedom of speech is another legal clause that can prevent claims from being identified in court as libel or slander.

A false statement, an unprivileged publication, a fault, and damages are the four most common elements for defamation of character in Connecticut.

If you're not yet sure if you have grounds for a lawsuit, you need to discuss these options with your attorney.

Creating a cease and desist letter is one step towards the beginning of a defamation claim, and if you fail to do this, it could increase your chances of your case being dismissed. You need to write a legally sound cease and desist letter, and working with an attorney like those at Morgan & Morgan is strongly recommended to protect your legal rights.

No one should have to navigate this complicated legal claim on their own. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.

A cease and desist letter might be the basis of your lawsuit, but there are many more legal elements in play, too. Talking with an experienced CT defamation lawyer could be the difference between a dismissed case and a successful recovery.