Defamation Guide for Libel & Slander in North Carolina: Part 4 – Costs of Defamation Lawsuits

What are the Costs?

Defamation cases are complex and can be costly. There are multiple factors involved in a lawsuit that can affect the costs. These may include knowing the Defendant’s identity and how many people and places the statement has been communicated or published to?

In addition, your primary objective can also increase costs. Is it your goal to remove the negative content or seek damages? Seeking damages can be more expensive than just seeking a removal or retraction.

Since Defamation cases can be hard to prove, and costly, our attorneys at DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall charge a consultation fee of $400 for most defamation cases. Should factors determine it necessary to proceed with representation, we will usually require a minimum retainer of $5,000.

Due to the financial burden of these cases, we advise you to perform a cost-benefit analysis prior to instituting a lawsuit for defamation. This can help you determine if a Defendant will be capable of paying monetary damages awarded to you and to reimburse you for your legal costs incurred in pursuing the lawsuit. If a Defendant is unable to pay or lacks resources, then the likelihood of collecting damages of any kind significantly declines.

Defamation law is riddled with nuances and strict guidelines that must be carefully followed. At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we not only understand the hurt and embarrassment that can come with being publicly defamed but also the laws surrounding defamation. We will provide you with honest feedback about your options to ensure you are able to make informed decisions about restoring your reputation. Our attorneys are skilled defamation attorneys, with over 40 years of experience. We hold the record for the largest award in a defamation verdict ever in North Carolina. If your matter is compensible, we can help you too. Complete our Defamation Evaluation today.