Reputation Management, Defamation & Privacy
Reputations are important to companies and individuals alike. Our libel & defamation lawyers regularly advise, both before and after publication, on the consequences of damaging publications and what can be done to prevent or repair damage to reputation.
Our lawyers are also experienced in the increasingly important area of privacy and the tension which exists with freedom of speech.
Quick and effective steps need to be taken to protect either an individual's or a company's rights.
Our specialist solicitors can assist in the following areas:
- Libel: the publication in permanent form of untrue allegations which cause damage to reputation
- Slander: damage to reputation caused by untrue spoken words. A witness statement account will be needed
- Malicious Falsehood: the publication of statements known by the publisher to be untrue which causes financial loss
- Privacy Right: the right to prevent publication of truthful, but private, information about an individual
Please be aware that not all defamatory statements can be pursued, as a number of defences exist to potential Defendants. The most obvious defence is if the statement can be proved to be true. Another well known defence which often causes difficulties for a Claimant is Qualified Privilege.
In brief, it is unlikely we will be able to pursue a Defamation claim for you if a defamatory statement was made in privileged circumstances. Common examples include those made within divorce, family, criminal or employment proceedings.
Our solicitors assist publishers in minimising risk by clearing copy before publication and also advise both Claimants and Defendants once publication has taken place on the legal effect of the words in question.
We have experienced lawyers in the intricacies of Part 36 (settlement) offers and the related “offers of amends” procedure. Our lawyers will guide you through the available defences of justification, qualified/absolute privilege and fair comment and advise on the appropriate level of damages payable for publication of damaging material.
"We needed advice and guidance on an urgent legal matter involving the media and got on the phone to Harvey Ingram. We were not disappointed. The matter was settled to our complete satisfaction"
Richard Moore, Director of Communications, Morgan Allen Moore Limited
News: Reputation Management, Defamation & Privacy
Contact us: Reputation Management, Defamation & Privacy
Please click on the links below to contact our libel and defamation solicitors.