About Attorney Jesse Haskins

Integrity and reputation mean a lot to Jesse Haskins. So much so, he dedicates his legal practice to preserving them – and seeking the truth.

Slander & Libel: What’s The Difference?

Slander and libel are two forms of defamation – the act of damaging someone’s reputation with false statements to a third party.

Slander is damaging statements made verbally. They are not broadcast or recorded. For example, someone who makes a false and negative statement about you in a restaurant is an example of slander.

Libel is written defamation published or broadcast, including newspapers, articles, the internet, and social media. For example, someone who posts a false and damaging comment on a website is an example of libel.

Both slander and libel carry legal consequences.

Opinion, Statements of Fact & Rumor

Not every disparaging remark qualifies as slander or libel. A libel attorney can help you understand how someone’s opinion, statement of fact, or rumor may not meet the actionable requirements for a lawsuit.

OPINION

Everyone has an opinion and the right to express it. Not every mean-spirited, offensive, or even false remark qualifies as defamation. For example, if someone shares on Twitter that you have bad taste in clothes or publicly comments that you are a fashion disaster, it may hurt your feelings, but it’s probably not libel or slander.

STATEMENTS OF FACT

A statement of fact is precisely that: a declaration of something true. The truth is a defense against libel or slander. For example, someone posts a mug shot of you from a long-ago offense. The poster is protected from defamation if you were in the picture and arrested for the named crime. It’s an unpleasant reminder, but it’s likely not going to meet the criteria.

RUMOR

When people pass along stories with a doubtful truth, there may or may not be cause for libel. Unfortunately, social media makes it incredibly easy to repost or retweet a rumor. Speaking with a libel attorney is usually the best way to determine if the story meets the defamation standard.

For example, if there is a rumor that you missed work because you were attending a wedding, that is unlikely to cause harm to your reputation. However, if someone writes that you aren’t showing up because you have a drinking problem, that could be libel.

 
Recent Posts

“Amazing Attorney!

Will definitely have him speed dial for any legal matter. He was fast, through! Great results!”

- Anka M.

“Outstanding Service.

I appreciated their prompt response to my calls and the fact all legal options available to me were fully explained.”

- Frank L.

“Just a great attorney.

Not only was my issue resolved, Mr. Haskins provided me with excellent advice to use going forward.”

- Stephen F.

Read More Reviews 5.0 ★★★★★ 22 Google Reviews

Do You Have a Slander or Libel Case?

What are your legal rights if someone said something untrue about you at a meeting or posted a false statement on social media? It’s difficult to sue a magazine, newspaper, or web host, but you might bring a defamation lawsuit against an individual, business competitor, or vendor.

If certain conditions exist, you may have a valid complaint:

  • Publication: The written or spoken statement was made to one or more third parties or the public.
  • It Was False: The written or spoken statement is untrue.
  • Defamatory: The statement is false or creates a false impression or implication.
  • Negligence and Malice: The false statement was made with reckless disregard to the truth or with malice and aforethought.
  • You Suffered Damages: The statement or publication causes financial or emotional injuries.

The truth is always a worthwhile pursuit. J Haskins Law represents both clients seeking damages from a defamation lawsuit and those accused of the act.

Building Your Case

Your best chance to recover compensation and set the record straight depends on a solid case built on evidence and the law.

Attorney Haskins devotes the necessary time and resources to secure:

  • Witnesses who read or heard the defamatory statement.
  • Proof of statement as it appeared
  • Legal research and precedent
  • Subject experts

Determining Your Losses

A false statement can cause a lot of damage: personally, professionally, and financially. When the act meets the criteria for slander or libel, you can pursue damages to make yourself whole.

Attorney Haskins evaluates how the false statement negatively affected your business, trade, occupation, or property. He also makes a compelling case for substantial emotional distress that may cause additional physical or psychological harm.

Work with a Slander and Libel Attorney

Protect your good name by calling a slander and libel lawyer at J Haskins Law. The truth is your best defense. And with an impressive record for individuals harmed by hurtful untruths, attorney Jesse Haskins can guide you through demanding fair compensation and obtaining justice.