We Aim To Protect Your Name And Reputation

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 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.

Talk To A Defamation And Privacy Lawyer Today

If you are struggling with a defamation or privacy concern, 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.