Defamed in Public or Online? Protect Your Reputation with Legal Action

In today’s digital world, a single false statement can cause lasting harm. Whether made in a boardroom, review site, or social media feed, defamatory statements can damage reputations, reduce income, and create public distrust. In New Jersey, the law allows victims of defamation—both individuals and businesses—to pursue civil claims for financial damages and injunctive relief.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent clients throughout Cherry Hill and South Jersey who have suffered reputational harm due to libel (written defamation) or slander (spoken defamation). We act quickly to assess the damage, stop further publication, and recover compensation for economic and emotional harm.

Common Defamation Cases We Handle in South Jersey

We represent clients in libel and slander claims involving:

• False accusations of criminal activity
• Business defamation in online reviews or competitor statements
• Misstatements about a person’s profession, licensing, or ethics
• Social media attacks and viral misinformation
• Defamatory posts by former employees, contractors, or vendors
• Gossip or rumors that cause loss of employment or business deals
• False statements made in newspapers, blogs, or press releases
• Political smears or election-related slander
• School-related defamation targeting parents, teachers, or students

Whether the defamatory content was posted online, printed in a flyer, or spread verbally in your community, we build cases that meet the strict legal standards for civil relief in New Jersey.

What Constitutes Defamation Under New Jersey Law

To prove defamation in New Jersey, a plaintiff must show:

• A false statement of fact was made
• The statement was published or communicated to a third party
• The statement caused harm to reputation
• The speaker acted with negligence (or actual malice, if the plaintiff is a public figure)

We gather digital records, witness testimony, and expert opinions to demonstrate that the statement meets this legal test. Truth is always a defense—but opinion alone is not enough to avoid liability.

Online Defamation and Internet Reputation Harm

Defamation online often spreads quickly and leaves permanent damage. We pursue claims involving:

• False Google or Yelp reviews targeting a business
• Negative online posts that misstate facts or suggest criminal conduct
• Use of false identities or fake accounts to spread defamation
• Republished content that amplifies reputational harm
• Defamation disguised as “opinion” or satire with damaging implications
• Defamatory videos or audio clips posted on social media

We send cease-and-desist letters, obtain court orders to remove content, and pursue damages from the originator or responsible party when possible.

Business Defamation and Commercial Harm

Businesses are especially vulnerable to false statements that harm client trust or revenue. We represent local professionals and companies defamed by:

• Competitor misinformation campaigns
• False reviews from disgruntled clients or ex-employees
• Fake claims of fraud or misconduct
• Industry blog posts or exposés with fabricated content
• Public allegations of regulatory violations that never occurred

We build civil claims for defamation per se, commercial disparagement, and tortious interference with business relations—all actionable under New Jersey law.

What Damages Are Available in a Defamation Lawsuit

Victims of defamation may be entitled to:

• Financial losses due to lost business or contracts
• Emotional distress and reputational harm
• Out-of-pocket costs to repair online reputation
• Legal fees, if allowed by contract or statute
• Punitive damages in cases of actual malice or gross misconduct
• Injunctions requiring removal or retraction of false content

In cases of defamation per se—such as false accusations of criminal acts or dishonesty—harm may be presumed, and the burden shifts to the defendant.

Where We Litigate Defamation Cases in New Jersey

We represent defamation plaintiffs in:

• Camden County Superior Court – Civil Division
• Burlington and Gloucester County courts
• Special Civil Part for lower-value cases
• Internet jurisdiction cases involving statewide or multi-platform harm
• Arbitration and settlement forums when private resolution is preferred

We advise clients on where and how to file based on the extent of damage, the location of the speaker, and the goals of the litigation.

Defamation Lawsuit FAQs for New Jersey Residents

Q: Is it defamation if someone posts a negative opinion about me?
A: No, not necessarily. Opinions are generally protected under the First Amendment. However, false statements of fact presented as opinion may still be actionable.

Q: Can a business sue for defamation?
A: Yes. Businesses may file defamation or commercial disparagement claims for false statements that harm their reputation, customer base, or financial performance.

Q: What is “defamation per se”?
A: Defamation per se includes statements that falsely accuse someone of a crime, dishonesty, or serious professional misconduct. In these cases, reputational harm is presumed.

Q: How long do I have to file a defamation claim in New Jersey?
A: You generally have one year from the date the statement was made or published to file a civil defamation lawsuit in New Jersey.

Q: Can I force someone to take the post down?
A: Possibly. Courts may issue injunctive relief requiring retraction or removal of defamatory content. We evaluate your case for that option based on the facts.

Speak to a Cherry Hill Defamation Attorney About Protecting Your Reputation

If your name, business, or professional standing has been harmed by false statements, you don’t have to let the damage continue. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent clients in Cherry Hill, Camden County, and throughout South Jersey in defamation lawsuits. We take swift action to correct the record, limit further harm, and pursue full legal remedies.

To schedule a consultation, call (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected]. Let us help you reclaim your reputation and restore public trust.