A small business will need to create a great name for itself. This is how you will get that great word-of-mouth advertising that can help your business so much. You will also very likely count on those positive reviews your customers put online about your business. The reviews are important because many people now search for reviews on a business before they decide if they are going to choose that business for their needs.

In the same way that positive things being said will help, bad things being said about your company can cost you customers. If you have someone spreading lies about your business, and it is costing you money, then you can sue them for defamation. Also, understand you can still be a victim of defamation even if you don't have a business. You can learn more about defamation and why you want to get a lawyer in this short guide on the topic. 

Defamation can be written or spoken

When it comes to the different types of defamation, there is libel and there is slander. Libel is when untrue statements are written and slander is when they are spoken. In order for something to be defamation, it must be false, and it needs to be stated as a fact, not an opinion. If someone goes online and posts a review saying they, "thought the food was the worst food they ever tasted," then this is not defamation, but their opinion that they have a right to. However, if they go online and state they, "went there last Thursday and saw roaches all over the counters," then this would be defamation as long as the statement is proven false. This could cost you a lot of potential customers, depending on how many people saw that review and told others about it. 

Defamation can affect businesses and individuals

It's important to understand you don't have to own a business to experience losses due to defamation. A person may experience the loss of a marriage, their job, or many other things due to defamation. For example, someone could tell others they saw you kissing someone other than your spouse outside a hotel room, then the two of you went in the room together. Your spouse can learn of this and ask for a divorce. Or, someone could spread rumors stating they saw you steal from the register at your work, and you may be fired because of those statements. When these things are false, they would be examples of defamation as well. 

Defamation can be hard to prove

When it comes to personal injury cases, defamation cases are some of the hardest to prove. However, there can be ways to prove these statements were said and that they led to the losses experienced. 

If you have been the victim of defamation and you or your business has suffered due to the defamatory statements, then you should see a personal injury lawyer. They can let you know if you have a case. Also, they will play an important role in proving your case and getting you the best results possible.

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