When you sue for slander, you could recover economic and non-economic damages.
For example, when someone makes defamatory statements against your business, you could recover:
Lost Income
This claim covers the income you would have made through your business had it not been for the defamatory statements. When you file such a claim, you allege that the business suffered significant losses due to the remarks, and you could not earn a decent income as you used to before the defendant made those statements.
Loss of Business Income
You could file this claim if your business lost significant income due to the defendant's remarks about you or the business. You may also be eligible for compensation if the defendant's comments made it impossible for you to conduct business in that particular location, leaving you with no choice but to shut down the business.
Medical Bills
You could also recover medical bills if you suffered mental or emotional distress and needed treatment to manage the condition. As a result, you may recover compensation for your past, current, and future medical expenses. Examples of medical expenses for defamation victims include the cost of therapy, counseling, depression or anxiety medication, or treatment for high blood pressure.
Non-Economic Damages
The non-monetary damages you may be able to recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. In the past, plaintiffs in defamation lawsuits have recovered the following non-economic damages:
Other Expenses
You could also recover compensation for other expenses, such as
- Attorney fees
- Costs to mitigate the reputational damage
- Dilution of intellectual property
- Emotional distress
- Shame
- Reduced social ties
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Suppose the case goes to court and the judge or jury determines that the defendant was extremely reckless with their statements about the plaintiff. In that case, the court might award the plaintiff punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the defendant for their recklessness or gross negligence and warn others against such conduct.