Virginia Defamation Lawyer

On Point for You - When It Matters Most

Your reputation is your most valuable asset, and a single false statement can jeopardize everything you’ve worked for—leading to financial loss, career disruption, and strained personal relationships. If left unchecked, the damage could be permanent, costing you more than just your peace of mind.

At Flood Law LLC, you can speak with our Virginia defamation lawyer to help you fight back. We specialize in defending your good name, securing compensation, and taking the necessary legal steps to restore your reputation.

False accusations can cost you everything—fight back today. Call (240)-403-2619 or schedule a consultation with our defamation attorneys.

How Our Virginia Defamation Attorneys Can Help

At Flood Law LLC, we take a strategic approach to protecting your reputation and pursuing justice. Our business lawyer in Maryland and Virginia offers comprehensive legal support, including:

  • Investigating False Claims: We thoroughly analyze the defamatory statements, gather evidence, and identify the responsible party.
  • Cease-and-Desist Letters & Retractions: We issue formal demands to stop defamatory statements and seek public retractions when necessary.
  • Negotiating Settlements & Litigation: Whether through negotiation or court action, we fight to recover financial and reputational damages.
  • Defamation Defense: We provide a strong legal defense to protect your rights if you’re accused of defamation.
  • Representation in Online & Media Cases: We handle cases involving social media, news outlets, and online defamation to mitigate damage effectively.

What is Defamation Under Virginia Law?

Defamation occurs when someone makes a false statement of fact that harms another person’s reputation, causing damage to their career, business, or personal life. Under Virginia law, defamation can take two primary forms:

Libel: Written Defamation

Libel refers to false and damaging written statements, including:

  • Newspaper articles or blog posts containing false accusations
  • Defamatory social media posts, online reviews, or emails
  • False information published in books, magazines, or other printed materials

Because written defamation is permanent, it can have long-lasting effects on a person’s reputation, making libel a serious legal matter.

Slander: Spoken Defamation

Slander refers to false and harmful spoken statements, such as:

  • False accusations made during a public speech or interview
  • Defamatory statements spread in workplace meetings or social gatherings
  • Malicious gossip that harms someone’s professional or personal reputation

Since spoken defamation is not permanent, plaintiffs must prove actual harm, such as financial loss or damaged business relationships.

To successfully prove defamation in Virginia, the plaintiff must establish the following:

  1. False Statement: The statement must be factually untrue, not an opinion.
  2. Publication: The statement must have been communicated to a third party.
  3. Harm to Reputation: The false statement must have caused damage to the person’s reputation.
  4. Negligence or Malice: If the plaintiff is a private individual, they must prove negligence. They must prove actual malice (intent to harm) if they are a public figure.

Virginia also recognizes defamation per se, where certain false statements are presumed to be harmful, including allegations of:

  • Criminal activity
  • Professional incompetence
  • Immoral behavior

If you believe you have been defamed, Flood Law firm can help you understand your legal options and take swift action to protect your reputation.

Common Types of Defamation Our Virginia Defamation of Character Lawyer Handles

At Flood Law LLC, our experienced Virginia defamation attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including the following:

Virginia Defamation Laws: Guidance From Our Virginia Slander Attorney

Virginia has specific laws that govern defamation, outlining what qualifies as a false and harmful statement. Whether you are a victim of defamation or facing accusations, Flood Law LLC can provide the legal support you need to protect your reputation and pursue justice.

Where We Handle Defamation Cases in Virginia

At Flood Law LLC, we represent clients across Virginia in defamation cases, including:

  • Northern Virginia: We serve clients in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, focusing on defamation involving businesses, government contractors, and professionals in industries like healthcare and law.
  • Richmond Metro Area: In Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover counties, we handle business defamation and reputation damage cases for professionals and local businesses.
  • Virginia Beach & Norfolk: We represent military personnel and business owners in Virginia Beach and Norfolk who are facing reputational harm from false statements.
  • Charlottesville & Roanoke: We handle defamation cases for university professors and healthcare professionals in Charlottesville and Roanoke, where reputations are especially critical.
  • Virginia Circuit & Federal Courts: Defamation cases are typically filed in Virginia Circuit Courts, but high-profile cases may go to federal courts, such as the Western District of Virginia or the Fourth Circuit.

Whether you’re dealing with a false statement in business, military, healthcare, or other industries, Flood Law LLC provides expert representation across Virginia. Reach out for a consultation to discuss your claim for defamation and recover damages.

Why Choose Our Virginia Defamation Lawyers?

At Flood Law LLC, we are committed to providing clients with aggressive, experienced legal representation in defamation matters. Here’s why you can trust our firm to handle your case:

  • Experienced Trial Lawyers: Our team has completed over 60 jury and bench trials, demonstrating our expertise and readiness to take your defamation case to court if necessary. With a proven track record in the courtroom, we fight for our clients and their reputations.
  • Virginia-Specific Expertise: Defamation laws in Virginia can be complicated and nuanced. We understand Virginia’s unique defamation laws, including slander and libel, defamation per se, and the statute of limitations. This expertise ensures we are well-prepared to handle your case effectively in Virginia courts.
  • Proven Success: We’ve represented professionals, executives, and businesses in high-stakes, intricate defamation cases. Our team has helped clients in diverse industries—healthcare, government, and businesses—successfully recover damages and protect their reputations.
  • John B. Flood & Michael G. Raimondi’s Extensive Trial Experience: John B. Flood and Michael G. Raimondi bring extensive trial experience in both Virginia Circuit Courts and federal courts. Recognized by Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America for their expertise in litigation related to labor, employment, and business law, they have successfully handled high-profile defamation cases involving business executives, medical professionals, and government officials.

With our team’s combination of extensive trial experience, Virginia-specific legal knowledge, and a proven history of successful case results, you can trust Flood Law LLC to fight for your rights.

Our legal expertise covers all defamation and slander matters relating to:

Don’t let defamation go unchallenged. Call (240)-403-2619 or contact us here now. 

FAQs

Libel refers to written defamation, such as false statements published in newspapers or on websites. Slander, on the other hand, involves spoken defamation, like verbal accusations made in meetings or on TV. Both harm a person’s reputation, but the format distinguishes them under Virginia law.

The value of a defamation case depends on factors like the severity of the defamation, the defendant’s actions, and the damage to the plaintiff’s reputation. Compensation may cover economic losses, emotional distress, and punitive damages. A consultation with a Virginia defamation lawyer can help determine the case’s potential value.

Yes, you can sue for online defamation in Virginia. False statements on social media, websites, or review platforms can harm your reputation, and Virginia’s defamation laws apply to these types of online statements. An experienced lawyer from our team can help you with this process and protect your rights.

In a defamation case in Virginia, the defendant may use several defenses, such as proving the statement was true, that it was privileged, or that the statement was made in good faith. The defendant might also argue that the plaintiff did not suffer harm to their reputation.

To remove false online reviews, you can start by contacting the platform to request removal based on the violation of their policies. If this doesn’t work, you can pursue a defamation lawsuit to protect your reputation. Consulting a defamation lawyer can guide you through this process effectively.

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