Defamation can ruin an individual’s reputation. Especially when a professional relies on people trusting their intelligence and integrity, negative claims made by others can have a profound impact on their career prospects and future income.
Various public-facing professionals, including accountants, physicians and others who must maintain state licensing for their careers, are especially vulnerable to defamation initiated by angry former spouses, prior business partners and even competitors. That being said, people generally have a right to leave reviews online or share stories on social media after they have negative experiences.
When might those stories cross the line and become defamation?
Defamatory statements are untrue
Freedom of speech does not absolve people of any responsibility for their words. Defamation can do lasting damage to a professional’s reputation and financial prospects. The courts take credible claims of defamation seriously.
They can issue injunctions preventing the party that shared untrue information from continuing to do so. They can also award damages in cases where defamation has a verifiable financial impact on a company, such as when clients canceling contracts reference a specific story or review.
Combatting defamation requires proof of untrue or exaggerated stories and evidence about the damage those defamatory claims have caused. Business leaders and professionals can hold individuals and other companies accountable for trying to damage their reputation by sharing unsubstantiated, negative claims about the organization.
Both written and verbal stories may constitute defamation and provide the basis for a business lawsuit. Documenting defamatory statements and gathering proof that they are false or exaggerated can help professionals defend the reputations that largely determine their income and career prospects.