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There are a number of ways a defamation lawyer can help you. If a defamatory statement (either verbal or in writing) has been made about you, a defamation lawyer can help you take legal action against the maker of the statement.If the defamatory statement was made verbally, you may have an action for slander. If it was made in writing, you may have an action for libel. A solicitor will be able to advise you on the legal requirements that must be met in order to bring a claim and the merits of your claim.

If you do have a claim for libel or slander, your defamation solicitor will advise you on how to bring the claim. Firstly, in accordance with the pre-action protocol for defamation claims you will need to send the defendant a letter of claim.

This letter of claim should set out the legal and factual basis of your claim. It should also give the defendant a broad idea of the losses you have suffered as a result of the defamatory statement.

A defamation solicitor will be able to help you draft this letter. They will be able to advise you on the losses you can claim for. There is a distinction between general damages and special damages. It may also be worth considering whether you can recover aggravated damages as well.

At the same time as sending this letter, or depending on the response, you should consider making a Part 36 offer to settle the claim. Part 36 offers have become increasingly used in civil litigation as an effective method of putting pressure on the opposition to settle.

A defamation solicitor will be able to advise you on Part 36 offers in more detail. They will be able to advise you on when to make an offer and for how much. Generally speaking, you start with a high offer to ‘test the water’ and negotiate with the opposition from there.

If you require legal advice regarding defamation, you can contact a specialist solicitor today.