Defamation and reputational risk

It can be extremely damaging to your personal and businesses reputation if someone makes an allegation against you which isn’t true. Malicious comments can have a serious impact on your reputation, and the continued success of your business.

That’s why it’s important to take decisive, pragmatic action if you discover that someone has said or written something about you that could affect your reputation negatively. Talk to our specialist defamation and reputational risk solicitors, and we’ll help you resolve the situation and protect your image.

Specialist corporate defamation solicitors

Your businesses reputation is a valuable asset. Many businesses spend years nurturing their image and just one defamatory comment could undermine all that work. A good reputation is often vital to a business’s success so any damage to your reputation can be devastating. You could lose key clients, customers or referrers.  So, defamation represents a real risk to your business.

Whatever your situation, Tees can help you set the record straight. Whether a former employee, client or competitor has made an allegation that could hurt your organisation’s image, we have the expertise to help keep your reputation intact. We can also help you bring a claim against the individual or business responsible, if you want to make a claim for damages as a result of their comments.

What is defamation?

Defamation is when someone says, writes or otherwise communicates a statement which damages your personal reputation or that of a business. The comment could be spoken in person, in writing (in print, or online) or even through a hand gesture.

There are two types of defamation: slander and libel.

• Slander covers spoken statements, gestures and conduct.
• Libel is any statement made in a more permanent form. Most commonly this includes written allegations and allegations broadcast on television or radio. It can also include media such as stage productions and commentary on the internet. So, comments made on social media platforms, web forums and other online websites can be considered libel.

Do I have a case for defamation?

Our specialist defamation, libel and slander solicitors can tell you if you have grounds to make a claim.

To make a claim, the statement needs to cause an average, reasonable person to think less of you or your business. The statement must have caused damage to your reputation.  For a business to bring a successful action for defamation, it has to show that the alleged defamation has resulted or is likely to result in a serious financial loss. We can tell you if you have a claim for defamation, so give us a call or fill out our contact form below.

Are there time limits on defamation claims?

The nature of defamation makes it important to act quickly and efficiently. News travels fast, and our specialist solicitors will help you mitigate any damage caused to you or your business.

If you leave defamatory statements unchallenged it increases the reputational damage they can cause. In an age of social media, comments spread rapidly online. Our team includes experts in the laws surrounding social media, and has the practical experience to deal with claims involving social media and other online websites.

There is a 12 month time limit on claims for defamation. You must make your claim within 12 months from the time you discovered the alleged defamation. At Tees, we handle claims as quickly and effectively as possible and will do our utmost to ensure a prompt result for you.

What to do next

Our experts will guide you through the situation and help you draw a line underneath it. We’re here to protect you, your business and your reputation.

Our specialist lawyers are based in:

• Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
• Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
• Hertfordshire: Bishop's Stortford and Royston 

But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.