Your reputation in life is everything. It defines who you are and how people perceive you. Reputation plays into both your personal and professional life and can help you get very far in life. Because your reputation is deeply rooted to your position in life and your community, it could be in danger of being harmed for a number of reasons.

Defamation of character is when your reputation suffers from a false statement or accusation made by another person. There are two kinds of defamation; written or published statements are considered libel and spoken defamation is called slander. As our media and technology have advanced, the spread of misinformation and libel have become even more disastrous to one's reputation. Imagine being nationally defamed for an activity you never engaged in or a character trait you have never exhibited.

The truth is going to be the most important factor in your defamation case. To pursue legal action for your case you will have to prove that the person who made a false statement about you did so with a careless regard for truth, with knowledge that the claims were false or with the intention of harming your reputation. Proving one of these three actions can be difficult and you will need to carefully examine the facts in the case as well as your state's law regarding defamation of character. You will want to contact a Killeen personal injury lawyer.

One of the most logical defenses to a defamation case is whether the statement was stated as fact or a matter of opinion. Another defense in a case of defamation is "fair comment on a matter of public interest." This is similar to opinion because you can assert your opinion on public matters currently under debate. Another potential defense would be "innocent dissemination," where the defendant could have passed on a slanderous statement that was assumed to be a fact.

Some cases without any defense can be so severe that they are considered "defamation per se." In these cases the personal injury sustained from the defamation is very apparent and does not need to be proved. These cases could include a false accusation of a criminal offense or sexual misconduct. Although the harm is assumed in these cases, the defendant still has a right to dispute the evidence.

If you feel you may have a case you may seek damages for emotional suffering or for lost wages due to the defamation. Reputation means everything in life and you have the right to protect yours. Please consult a personal injury attorney for more information about your own defamation case.