What must I prove if I am the plaintiff in a defamation case?

What must I prove if I am the plaintiff in a defamation case?

Michael Ehline (Attorney at Law) gives expert video advice on: What is a tort of defamation?; What is 'libel'?; What is 'slander'? and more...

If you are a plaintiff in a defamation case it first depends upon whether or not you are a public figure or a private figure. If you're a public figure in a defamation case, in addition to a false statement made about you that was published to a third party you also need to prove that that statement that was made was false, and was made maliciously or recklessly. If you are a private figure in a defamation case, all you need to prove is that false statement was made about you negligently, but additionally you still have to prove that you were damaged. Sometimes this is a very difficult burden to prove.