What Defamation and Privacy Services Does Brodsky Law Offer?
Defamation and privacy law protects individuals and businesses from false statements that damage their reputation and from unauthorized intrusions into their private affairs. In California, defamation encompasses both slander (spoken false statements) and libel (written or published false statements) that harm a person's reputation in the community. Privacy claims address unauthorized disclosure of private facts, intrusion upon seclusion, false light portrayals, and misappropriation of name or likeness. Whether you need to pursue a claim against someone who has damaged your reputation or defend against allegations of defamation, experienced legal counsel is essential. Sasha Brodsky has handled defamation and privacy matters in Santa Cruz County and throughout California since 1998.
Slander claims arise when someone makes false spoken statements about you to third parties, causing damage to your reputation or livelihood. Libel claims involve false statements published in writing, print, or online media. In the digital age, online defamation has become an increasingly common concern, with false and damaging statements spreading rapidly through social media, review platforms, websites, and online forums. California law provides remedies for both per se defamation (statements so inherently harmful that damages are presumed) and per quod defamation (where the plaintiff must prove actual damages).
Invasion of privacy claims in California can take several forms. Intrusion upon seclusion involves intentional interference with a person's private affairs in a manner that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person. Public disclosure of private facts occurs when someone publicizes private information that is not of legitimate public concern. False light claims arise when someone publishes information that places another person in a misleading and highly offensive false impression. Each of these claims has distinct elements and defenses that require careful legal analysis.
Reputation protection often begins with cease and desist actions, demanding that the offending party stop making false statements and remove defamatory content. When informal resolution is not possible, litigation may be necessary to obtain injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and in cases of malice, punitive damages. Sasha evaluates each situation to determine the most effective strategy for protecting his clients' reputations and privacy rights.
Sasha's scope of counsel includes but is not limited to:
Defamation and privacy cases require swift action, as California imposes a one-year statute of limitations on most defamation claims. Sasha works to preserve evidence, assess the strength of claims or defenses, and pursue timely resolution. There are many other aspects of defamation and privacy law in which Sasha practices. Sasha frequently engages co-counsel of varying depth and specialization, and also frequently refers his clients to highly-skilled alternate counsel.
To learn more about related practice areas, visit our Additional Areas page. Contact Sasha Brodsky to discuss your defamation or privacy matter.