We Aim To Protect Your Name And Reputation

Last updated on March 5, 2025

A single defamatory statement can cause irreparable harm to an individual’s or business’ reputation. At Ranchor Harris Law, our North Carolina defamation lawyer understands the severe consequences of slander, libel and online attacks. We will fight tirelessly to protect your privacy and restore your good name.

Understanding North Carolina’s Defamation Laws

Defamation encompasses both slander (spoken defamation) and libel (written defamation). North Carolina’s defamation laws aim to protect individuals from false statements that can damage their reputation and livelihood. In North Carolina, as in other states, the plaintiff must prove several elements to establish a defamation claim, including:

• The statement was false.
• The statement was stated to third parties (i.e., published in the case of libel or spoken to someone other than the plaintiff in the case of slander).
• The statement caused harm to the reputation of the plaintiff.
• The statement was made negligently (without adequate research into the truthfulness of the statement) or with actual malice (with knowledge that the statement was false or a reckless disregard for the truth).

Defamation laws provide recourse for individuals and businesses suffering reputational damage. Our skilled defamation attorney leverages these laws to seek justice and compensation on your behalf.

Influencer Defamation Is A Modern Threat

In today’s digital age, social media influencers wield immense power over public opinion. A single negative post can destroy a brand’s image or an individual’s reputation. We take on influencer defamation aggressively, holding those responsible accountable.

Libel Laws In North Carolina

Libel is a form of defamation where false statements are published in writing, causing harm to a person’s reputation. For a statement to be considered defamatory, it must be proven false, damaging and made without appropriate privilege.

North Carolina’s libel laws are meant to balance the protection of individuals’ reputations with the principles of free speech. To succeed in a libel claim, the plaintiff must prove several key elements:

• False statement: The statement must be factually incorrect. Although they can be potentially damaging, mere opinions are not considered libel unless they imply false factual assertions.
• Published to a third party: The statement must have been shared with someone other than the plaintiff in any written medium, such as print or online.
• Injury to reputation: The plaintiff must prove the statement caused reputational damage, leading to financial loss, emotional distress or other negative consequences.
• Negligence or malice: If the plaintiff is a private individual, they must show that the defendant acted negligently in publishing the statement. However, public figures face a higher standard, needing to prove “actual malice.” This means the statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.

There are several defenses available against a libel claim, with the most common being:

• Truth: If the statement is true, it cannot be considered defamatory.
• Privilege: Some statements are protected under privileged communication, such as those made during judicial proceedings or by government officials in their official capacities.
• Opinion: Expressions of opinion that do not assert factual claims are not subject to libel laws.

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a libel lawsuit is one year from the date the statement was published. If a claim is not filed within this time frame, the plaintiff loses the right to pursue legal action.

Our attorney offers guidance to those who believe they have been wrongfully defamed to understand the specific requirements before deciding whether to pursue legal action.

Protecting Your Name From An Invasion Of Privacy

North Carolina privacy laws focus on the right to maintain personal boundaries and the right to control personal information, while defamation laws protect against false statements that harm your reputation. If someone discloses true but confidential information without consent and the disclosure is offensive to a reasonable person, this can be a privacy violation. If the information is also false, it could constitute defamation.

Defamation And Privacy FAQ

Defamation includes slander (spoken false statements) and libel (written false statements) that harm a person’s reputation. To be actionable, the statements must be false, damaging and not protected by privilege. Defamation can harm your personal or business reputation, and we are prepared to address it. Whether facing slander or libel, we will assess the situation, gather evidence and pursue legal action to restore your reputation and seek compensation for the damages caused.

What is the difference between defamation of character and defamation of business?

Defamation of character refers to false statements made about an individual that harm their personal reputation. In contrast, defamation of business reputation – also known as trade libel or product disparagement – targets a company, its products or its services. Trade libel occurs when someone makes false claims about a business, leading to financial losses, damaged customer relationships and harm to the company’s credibility.

In North Carolina, both types of defamation require proving that the false statements were published to a third party, caused harm and were made without legal justification. Businesses and medical providers can suffer serious financial consequences from defamation, especially in competitive industries where reputation is everything. If your company has been harmed by false claims, our firm provides aggressive legal representation to hold those responsible accountable. We have extensive experience handling complex defamation cases in Raleigh, Wake County and beyond, ensuring businesses receive the protection they deserve.

How long do I have to sue for defamation in North Carolina?

North Carolina law sets a one-year statute of limitations for filing a defamation lawsuit. This means you have only one year from the date the false statement was made or published to take legal action. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.

The statute of limitations applies to both libel (written defamation) and slander (spoken defamation). Because defamation cases can be complex and require gathering evidence such as witness testimony, business records and digital evidence, it is critical to act quickly. Our firm helps ensure your case is filed within the legal timeframe, protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Whether the defamation occurred in North Carolina or involves an out-of-state or international party, we have the resources to take action swiftly and effectively.

 How do I file a defamation lawsuit in North Carolina?

Filing a defamation lawsuit in North Carolina involves several key steps:

• Consult an attorney: Defamation laws are complex and proving damages requires strong evidence. An experienced attorney will assess your case and determine the best legal strategy.
• Gather evidence: This includes collecting documentation of the false statement, its publication and any harm it caused, such as financial losses, reputational damage or lost business opportunities.
• Draft and file a complaint: Submit a defamation complaint in the appropriate North Carolina court. Local cases may involve filing a libel suit in Wake County. The complaint must detail the false statements, their impact and your damages.
• Serve the defendant: The person or business responsible for the defamation must be legally notified of the lawsuit.
• Proceed with litigation: The case may involve negotiations, discovery (exchange of evidence) and, if necessary, a trial to secure a judgment.

No matter the location, we are skilled in filing defamation lawsuits and aggressively representing clients in court.

Talk To A Defamation And Privacy Lawyer Today

If you are struggling with a defamation or privacy concern in the workplace or elsewhere, do not wait for the situation to resolve itself. The consequences of a delay can be long-lasting and detrimental to your personal and professional lives. Reach out to Ranchor Harris Law now at 919-586-8760 or on our website.