Small Business Online Defamation / Bullying in Florida
We’ll Take Your Claim to Trial
If you own a small business, you likely rely on the internet to some extent to enhance and grow your business. The internet has been a significant game-changer in how businesses operate but, unfortunately, it has also ushered in a multitude of opportunities for individuals to defame your business.
Our legal team at RAK Law understands how frustrating it is for clients to suffer from online defamation or cyberbullying. We’re here to educate you regarding your rights and what damages you may be eligible to recover when you file a claim for online defamation or cyberbullying of your small business.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover for an Online Defamation Claim?
RAK Law is ready to aggressively fight for you to receive damages for the pain and suffering you’ve incurred from online defamation or cyberbullying.
At trial, we can demonstrate the financial losses you’ve experienced due to defamation.
We can also fight for you to receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are assessed at the court’s discretion and are intended to punish the defendant if they’re found guilty.
How Long Do I Have to File an Online Defamation Claim in Florida?
According to section 95.11 of the Florida Statute of Limitations, you have two years from the date that the online defamatory statement was published to file a claim.
Our tenacious attorneys at RAK Law are highly knowledgeable regarding defamation laws in Florida. We’re eager to meet you and fight for you to receive damages for your pain and suffering.
Call (813) 750-0513 or submit your information online to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.
What Is Online Defamation or Cyberbullying?
The terms “defamation” or “defamation of character” refer to when an individual makes a statement that harms another’s reputation. Such a statement can be written or spoken. When written, defamation is known as “libel”; when spoken, it’s known as “slander.”
Online defamation or cyberbullying would fall under the category of “libel.” Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Yelp, for example, are regarded as forms of written communication. A person could make false statements about your business via various mediums. Examples of where these false statements can appear include:
- Chats in platforms such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp
- Comments left on blogs, articles, or social media posts
- Online reviews or forums
- Published blogs or articles
- Tweets
Subjective statements can also be considered false statements. For instance, if you have an employee named Brian and someone posts on social media, “I believe Brian steals merchandise from his employer regularly”—this statement can be considered a false allegation.
What Evidence Is Necessary for an Online Defamation Claim?
In Florida, a plaintiff (the injured party) must prove certain elements regarding a defamation claim. These elements include:
- Evidence of the published statement, such as through a web address or screenshot of the statement. A screenshot will likely be more beneficial if the individual who published the false statement eventually deletes it.
- Establishing the falsity of the claim.
- Summarizing damages that the false statement has caused you and your business. For instance, you may have lost clientele or revenue since the false statement was published or suffered significantly on a mental or emotional level.
Our experienced attorneys at RAK Law can guide you in gathering supporting evidence to build your claim.
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Do you need to file a defamation claim?
If you believe you have a defamation case, contact RAK Law Firm. Our experienced attorneys can help you build a strong claim and provide support throughout the process. Our firm handles cases large and small, and we fight aggressively for our clients and their right to damages.
Schedule a case evaluation with our Florida defamation claim attorneys to find out more.
Why Choose RAK Law Firm?
Our Experienced Attorneys are trusted Civil Litigators
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Highly Personalized Service
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Wide Range of Practice Areas
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Representing Clients Statewide
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Prepared To Go to trial
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Experience You Can Count ON
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