Question: How can I prove damages for defamation in a civil lawsuit related to slanderous voicemails and libelous social media posts?

Answer: In order to pursue a civil case for defamation, actual damages need to be proven. This includes economic actions detrimental to income or material damage to reputation. For damages, a plaintiff must possess substantial proof that the defamatory statements directly impacted the ability to take on new clients or resulted in the loss of clients. A cease and desist letter may be sent as a preliminary step to demand the cessation of defamatory posts and threats. Please note that defamation claims may not be able to be heard in all courts in your jursidiction.