Expert Defamation Representation in Florida
At Heitner Legal, we provide comprehensive defamation law services, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in Florida and beyond. Based in Fort Lauderdale, our firm has extensive experience handling libel, slander, and online defamation cases, from small business disputes to high-profile matters involving celebrities and public figures. Our strategic approach ensures your reputation is protected, whether you’re seeking to recover damages or defend against unfounded claims.
Understanding Defamation: Libel and Slander
Defamation involves false statements that harm an individual’s or business’s reputation. Libel refers to written or published defamation, such as a media post or online reviews, while slander involves spoken defamatory statements. Heitner Legal is equipped to handle both, as well as defamation per se actions, addressing the unique challenges of traditional and digital defamation in today’s connected world.
Our Defamation Law Services
Heitner Legal represents clients on both sides of defamation disputes, offering tailored strategies to achieve favorable outcomes. Our services include:
Representing Plaintiffs in Defamation Cases
- Small Business Defamation: We help small businesses combat defamatory social media posts, fake reviews, and competitor-driven smear campaigns that threaten their livelihood. Our team pursues damages and retractions to restore your business’s reputation.
- High-Profile Individuals: We have represented prominent clients, such as Pras Michel of the Fugees and broadcaster Doug Gottlieb, in high-stakes defamation cases.
- Libel and Slander Claims: Whether the defamation occurs in print, online, or verbally, we build compelling cases to prove falsity, harm, and fault, seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
- Cease-and-Desist and Retractions: We draft and negotiate cease-and-desist letters and demand retractions to stop defamatory conduct and mitigate damage before litigation.
Defending Against Defamation Claims
- Defense of Free Speech: We protect clients accused of defamation by asserting defenses such as truth, opinion, or privilege, ensuring your First Amendment rights are upheld.
- Anti-SLAPP Motions: In Florida, we leverage Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statutes to dismiss frivolous defamation lawsuits and recover legal fees.
- Online Defamation Defense: For clients facing claims over social media posts or reviews, we challenge the plaintiff’s case by scrutinizing evidence and intent, aiming for dismissals or favorable settlements.
- High-Profile Defense: We defend public figures and businesses against defamation claims, minimizing exposure and protecting their legal and public standing.
Why Choose Heitner Legal for Defamation Cases?
Heitner Legal’s dual experience representing plaintiffs and defendants gives us a strategic edge in defamation law. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Comprehensive Expertise: Our attorneys are skilled in navigating traditional and online defamation, including complex issues involving social media and digital platforms.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize clear communication and personalized strategies, ensuring you’re informed and confident throughout the process.
- Florida-Focused with National Reach: Based in Fort Lauderdale, we serve clients across Florida’s state and federal courts, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, while also handling cases nationwide.
Types of Defamation Cases We Handle
Our defamation practice covers a wide range of scenarios, including:
- Social Media Defamation: Addressing false posts on platforms like X, Instagram, or Yelp that harm businesses or individuals.
- Defamatory Reviews: Challenging fake or malicious online reviews that damage small businesses or professionals.
- Libel in Media: Pursuing or defending claims involving defamatory articles, blogs, or broadcasts.
- Slander in Public or Professional Settings: Handling false spoken statements that impact reputations in workplaces or communities.
- Public Figure Defamation: Representing celebrities and influencers in cases requiring proof of actual malice under defamation law.
Contact Heitner Legal for Defamation Assistance
Is defamation harming your reputation or business? Are you facing an unjust defamation lawsuit? Contact Heitner Legal today for expert legal representation.