If you have been injured by someone else in the form of libel or slander, you should not have to live with a ruined reputation. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the person for defamation and you can speak with an attorney about what your options are. There are typically a few things that you must prove when you bring a defamation case forward and the evidence you gather can help when it comes to the damages a judge awards you. If you are wondering what kind of damages there are in defamation cases, attorneys can discuss some of the options you may receive below. To set up an appointment with a personal injury attorney to discuss your defamation case, please call a law office.
Types of Damages
When it comes to what you can be awarded, a judge will look at the two main types of damages:
- Economic
- Non-Economic
Economic Damages. Economic damages, also known as special damages, are damages that are easily calculated. These can be narrowed down to a very specific dollar amount and that is typically what you would be awarded. You may find economic damages come in the form of:
- Lost Wages
- Lost Business Opportunities
- Lost Earning Capacity
For example, if someone slandered you and as a direct result you lost your two biggest clients, a judge might award you economic damages for the loss of their business that you would have kept if it had not been for the defamation. Further, if you are unable to get a new job or if you lost your old job, you could also be awarded specific economic damages. Lost earning capacity may come in the form of a loss of your 401(k), health insurance, or even paid vacation days.
Non-Economic Damages. Even though you may be awarded specific economic damages, a judge may also choose to award you non-economic damages for things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, or even a loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are much harder to calculate because there is not a specific dollar amount assigned to this type of suffering, and you should know that you are not always entitled to non-economic damages. In certain states, you may only be entitled to non-economic damages if you are first entitled to economic damages. Additionally, a defamatory statement that falsely accused you of committing a crime could mean you are eligible for non-economic damages. You can speak with your personal injury attorney to determine what kind of damages you may be entitled to.
If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle, car, or truck accident, contact a commercial truck accident lawyer today. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at JOHNSTON | MARTINEAU, PLLP for their insight into accidents.