The online comments didn’t just hurt your feelings, they also damaged your business, income, or reputation. In some cases, those comments constitute a form of libel or personal injury in Michigan.
Online Defamation Can Be Devastating
Negative comments are not always defamation. However, statements posted online may be forms of defamation if they are false and communicated to third parties. These defamatory statements may happen on:
- Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram
- Blog post comments
- Reviews on your website or other websites
- Personal websites
- News websites
- Other websites, chat rooms, or listservs
The statement must be a false statement of fact to be considered defamation. Unflattering statements that are true are not defamation. Additionally, subjective opinions that are true opinions rather than statements of fact are not defamatory.
Untrue statements can significantly harm or destroy your business by hurting your reputation; damaging your relationship with customers, vendors, or business partners; and decreasing your income. You have the right to pursue fair legal damages that include but may not be limited to:
- Lost wages or income from self-employment
- Increased costs of doing business because of damage to your reputation
- Emotional distress, particularly if the false statements were directed at you personally
- Exemplary damages, if the false statement was made maliciously
Other types of damages may also be possible and should be discussed with your Michigan defamation lawyer.
Get the Help You Deserve After a Defamation Injury
Online defamation cases are often complicated, particularly if the poster is located in a state other than Michigan. Our experienced Bloomfield Hills personal injury lawyers understand how badly online defamation can hurt you, and we will fight hard to restore your reputation and your financial losses.
Please contact us today by filling out our online contact form, calling us, or clicking on our blue “Send Us a Text Message” button to schedule a complimentary consultation and to learn more about your legal rights.