Understanding Defamation and Its Impact
Let’s talk about defamation cases. Hi, I’m Tulsa defamation attorney Carl Birkhead with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for about seven years now, and I want to help you make law easy by talking a little bit about defamation and when and how it might apply to you.
What Constitutes Defamation?
Defamation includes both slander (spoken statements) and libel (written statements). At its core, defamation involves false statements made with the intent to harm someone’s reputation. The key word here is false—if the statements are true, they are not defamatory.
For example, if Jimmy Johnson has a documented history of domestic violence and people call him Wife-Beater Johnson, he can’t sue for defamation because the statement is true and publicly verifiable. However, if a completely false rumor starts circulating—like a child being called a bedwetter at school when it’s not true—that could be considered defamation because it’s baseless and meant to harm the child’s reputation.
Proving Damages in Defamation Cases
That said, defamation cases aren’t just about hurt feelings—you need to prove actual damages. Have you lost clients? Lost your job? Suffered financial losses? Or even faced threats due to false statements? In a recent case I handled, false claims led to physical threats against my clients, demonstrating real harm.
If you believe you’re experiencing defamation and it’s negatively affecting your life, reach out. I’d be happy to discuss your situation and see if you have a strong case.
Schedule Your Initial Strategy Session
I’m Tulsa criminal lawyer Carl Birkhead. I’m with Wirth Law Office, and I want to help you make law easy. To discuss your defamation concerns, consider scheduling a low-cost initial strategy session with me. Call 918-879-1681 to get started on safeguarding your reputation.
