The average payout for defamation in the UK will vary depending on the specifics of your case. Minor, short-term defamation might result in a small payout, while serious and long-lasting damage could lead to compensation in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Defamation that causes long-term damage, particularly if it affects your career, social standing, or personal life, will result in higher damages than something short-term that might be forgotten within a year. The more severe and lasting the harm, the greater the compensation.
The law of slander says that in most cases, you have to prove that you have suffered actual financial loss as a result of the slander, as well as serious harm to your reputation. This is different from libel claims, where you are only required to prove that you have suffered serious harm to your reputation.
The most common defenses to defamation are: 1) truth; 2) consent; 3) privilege; and 4) the statute of limitations. Perhaps the most distinct aspect of the defamation cause of action is that falsity is required. In other words, the statement publicized about the plaintiff must be false in order to prove defamation.
The current ceiling for damages awards in libel actions is £350,000 as per Nicklin J in Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd & Anor 2021 EWHC 1797.
What defences are available in defamation claims? There are four main defences available to a defendant in a libel or slander action: Truth, Honest Opinion, Publication on a matter of public interest and Privilege (Qualified or Absolute).
The law of slander says that in most cases, you have to prove that you have suffered actual financial loss as a result of the slander, as well as serious harm to your reputation. This is different from libel claims, where you are only required to prove that you have suffered serious harm to your reputation.
The most common defenses to defamation are: 1) truth; 2) consent; 3) privilege; and 4) the statute of limitations. Perhaps the most distinct aspect of the defamation cause of action is that falsity is required. In other words, the statement publicized about the plaintiff must be false in order to prove defamation.