Can someone sue me for telling the truth?

Asked by: Ardith Stanton  |  Last update: October 26, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (69 votes)

A statement must be false to be defamatory. Truth is an absolute defense to a defamation claim. Only statements of fact can be defamatory.

Can someone sue you for telling the truth?

Yes. Someone can be sued for defamation of character if everything they report is true. Of course whether that suit will succeed depends on things like jurisdiction, whether the claim is not merely true but can be shown to be true to the court, whether the plaintiff is a public figure, But take a case like Noonan v.

Can you sue someone for saying something about you?

The short answer is yes, you can sue them if they are making public statements about you that they know to be false and those statements are as you have described them. Unfortunately, it is not necessarily quick or cheap to win this type of case.

Can you get in trouble for telling the truth about someone?

Yes, a person can be charged for telling the truth if what they say is an admission to committing a crime. Lying to the police is a crime and lying to get another person in trouble is also a crime.

Is it worth suing for defamation?

The answer is, yes, it is worth suing for defamation. When a true case of defamation exists, there are damages that are caused as a result. Those damages are compensable through a civil lawsuit, in California and beyond.

How do I defend myself if I am sued for defamation?

17 related questions found

What proof do you need for slander?

To prove prima facie defamation, a plaintiff must show four things: 1) a false statement purporting to be fact; 2) publication or communication of that statement to a third person; 3) fault amounting to at least negligence ; and 4) damages , or some harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity who is the ...

Can you sue someone for false accusations?

Can You Sue A Person for Making False Accusations? You can pursue a lawsuit against a person who has made false accusations about you by either suing for defamation or for malicious prosecution.

Can you sue someone for telling your secrets?

Do I have a case against my so-called friend who shared this confidential information? A: There is a jury instruction in California for harm caused by public disclosure of private facts.

How do I prove I'm telling the truth?

Provide evidence of what happened.

The best way to prove to someone that you are not lying is to offer the person evidence that directly contradicts the claim. If you can think of any way to demonstrate your truthfulness, do so by backing up your statements with credible proof.

Can you be sued for slander if what you say is true?

Truth – Truth is an absolute defense in a defamation case. If the defendant can show that the allegedly defaming statements are, in fact, true, then the plaintiff is not entitled to a judgment.

How much does it cost to sue someone for defamation?

However, a “retainer” is not what a defamation case costs. The average cost of a defamation lawsuit at Minc Law typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. Some defamation lawsuits are resolved for less, while others may be more costly, depending on the unique facts of each situation.

Can I sue someone for bad mouthing me?

In some situations, when a person feels that they have been harmed by someone's statements about them, s/he may be able to bring a civil lawsuit for defamation, sometimes known as slander (when the statement is spoken) or libel (when the statement is written).

How hard is it to win a defamation lawsuit?

Defamation lawsuits are not easy to win because the plaintiff must both prove the difficult elements of his or her case and avoid the many defenses to defamation. This article discusses some of the standard defenses to defamation, including truth and privilege.

Is it harassment if you are telling the truth?

Even if the statements made are true, they can still be considered harassing or stalking if they cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or well-being.

How to deal with someone defaming you?

If you're confident that you are indeed dealing with an instance of online defamation, there are several steps you can take to remedy the situation.
  1. Do Nothing. ...
  2. Collect Evidence. ...
  3. Get a Lawyer. ...
  4. Send a Cease and Desist Letter. ...
  5. Publish Your Own Statement. ...
  6. Sue for Defamation.

What percentage of defamation cases are won?

Floyd Abrams, a New York lawyer who specializes in representing media organizations, estimates that individuals who sue for libel win about 75 percent of the cases that end up before a jury. But the media succeed in reversing jury verdicts most of the time after they appeal to higher courts.

How can I prove that I am honest?

Say what you mean and mean what you say. Bend over backward to communicate in an open and honest fashion. Simplify your statements so that everyone clearly understands your message. Tell it like it is rather than sugarcoating it.

How to get over being lied to?

11 Tips for Coping When People Lie
  1. Consider the Source. ...
  2. Look Inward. ...
  3. Document the Evidence. ...
  4. Think Before You Confront Someone. ...
  5. Practice Compassion. ...
  6. Stay Levelheaded. ...
  7. Discuss Your Boundaries With the Person Who Lied. ...
  8. Carve Out Time for Recovery.

What happens when you start telling the truth?

By speaking your truth, a shift happens; your mind focuses on solutions and possibilities instead of worrying. 4. You become assertive. Realizing that you are no longer controlled by your worries, speaking your truth becomes an excellent small habit.

Can you sue someone for telling the truth about you?

So long as the statements at issue are substantially truthful, minor inaccuracies alone are insufficient to support a claim. Generally, for a plaintiff to succeed in a defamation lawsuit, the statements at issue must at least be capable of verifiable falsity.

Can you sue someone for disclosing information?

Disclosing private facts to the public can be an actionable claim. Depending on the state, there are several important elements you'll have to prove to be successful. This can all get a little confusing, but it doesn't need to be.

Can you sue someone for saying mean things?

It is true, however, that in some situations, when a person feels that they have been harmed by someone's statements about them, s/he may be able to bring a civil lawsuit for defamation, sometimes known as slander (when the statement is spoken) or libel (when the statement is written).

Can I sue after being found not guilty?

If you are accused of a crime and acquitted or otherwise found not guilty of the offense, you can still face a civil lawsuit for the same incident. The Double Jeopardy clause only protects you from subsequent criminal prosecution in the legal system.

Can you press charges for false accusations?

Yes. In California, making false accusations is a crime and can lead to serious legal consequences. Under Penal Code Section 148.5 , it is a misdemeanor to falsely report a crime to law enforcement.

How much can I sue for defamation of character?

The amount one can sue for defamation varies widely based on several factors including the severity and extent of damage caused by the defamatory statement. However, damages typically range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on circumstances such as loss earnings and emotional distress.