How much does a defamation lawsuit cost?
How much does a defamation lawsuit cost?
$200 – $500 average hourly cost
$15,000 – $25,000 average cost (uncontested cases)
Average defamation lawsuit cost
A defamation lawyer costs $200 to $500 per hour on average. A slander lawsuit costs $15,000 to $25,000 total for uncontested cases or up to $100,000 for contested or trial cases. The cost to sue someone for defamation depends on the case complexity and the experience and reputation of your lawyer.
| Case type | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested | $15,000 – $25,000 | Includes standard court filings; straightforward proceedings |
| Contested | $20,000 – $60,000 | Increased for anonymous defendants, multiple parties, or complex evidence |
| Trial | $30,000 – $100,000 | Major litigation expense, especially if defense is aggressive or appeals occur |
Uncontested
Uncontested defamation cases cost $15,000 to $25,000 on average. With no opposition or complications, a simple suit often resolves more quickly and cheaply. Lawyers handle filings, negotiation, and basic legal work, which keeps costs manageable. However, even a simple case may require significant documentation and clear evidence.
Contested
Complex contested defamation cases cost $20,000 to $60,000 in legal fees. When the defense disputes the claim or extra parties get involved, the lawsuit's scope widens. Attorneys spend more time on research, discovery, hearings, and court appearances.
These situations increase the complexity and overall bill, especially if the defendant remains anonymous or evidence is challenging.
Trial
Taking a defamation case to trial can cost $30,000 to $100,000. Taking the case to trial means hundreds of hours in preparation, document discovery, and expert witnesses. These costs can exceed settlement amounts, with expenses highest when a determined defendant fights every step or when an appeal becomes necessary.
What is defamation?
Defamation means making a false statement of fact (spoken or written) that injures someone's reputation. To qualify as legally actionable defamation, a person must know it is false and publish the false statement through a third party or source.
What is slander?
Slander refers to spoken defamatory statements. It is the oral version of defamation, as opposed to written defamation, which is called libel.
Can you sue someone for slander?
Yes, you can sue for slander or libel if someone makes a statement about you that is:
False
Presented as fact
Causing real harm to your reputation or livelihood
Strong evidence makes success more likely. While building your case, make sure to collect as much information and evidence as possible.
Slander lawsuit cost vs. potential rewards
The amount you might recover after a defamation or slander lawsuit depends on the level of harm you've suffered and the quality of evidence you provide. Courts can award damages for lost income, reputation harm, and, in some rare situations, punitive compensation meant to punish especially wrongful behavior.
The table below shows possible rewards of defamation suits. However, actual outcomes vary widely based on each unique case.
| Type of damages | Average award | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | $10,000 – $250,000 | Requires strong proof of lost wages, business, or actual expense |
| Non-economic | $15,000 – $500,000 | Includes emotional distress and reputational harm |
| Punitive (rare) | $20,000 – $1,000,000+ | Penalizes egregious or malicious conduct |
Economic: Economic damages compensate for financial losses tied directly to the defamatory statements. This includes lost business, lost wages, or the costs to fix a damaged reputation. Accurate documentation and proof are crucial for higher awards in this category.
Non-economic: Non-economic damages address intangible impacts, such as harm to your reputation, public embarrassment, and emotional distress. These awards depend on testimony, public impact, and evidence that your life, standing, or mental health suffered due to the defamatory statements.
Punitive: A judge may grant punitive damages to punish defendants for especially reckless or malicious defamation. These awards send a message to deter similar conduct and reflect circumstances far beyond ordinary negligence or error. Courts only award punitive damages in the most egregious cases.
Defamation lawyer cost factors
Every lawsuit is unique, and numerous factors can affect your final cost:
Amount and type of content: Every additional publication, comment, or platform adds to the investigative and legal work required.
Proof of damages: Cases needing proof of significant financial or emotional harm may require expert testimony and extensive evidence gathering, raising costs.
Urgency of relief: Emergency measures to stop ongoing harm, such as restraining orders, demand more attorney time and expense.
Jurisdiction: Legal fees and filing costs vary greatly depending on location and local court requirements.
Settlement versus trial: Reaching a settlement early is cheaper, while going to trial can multiply expenses.
Defendant's willingness to fight: Contested cases, where the opposing party vigorously defends, may last much longer and cost much more.
Fee arrangement
Attorneys often require an upfront retainer and then bill by the hour, making total costs unpredictable until the case unfolds.
| Fee type | Common range | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $200 – $500 per hour | Charges for each hour worked |
| Contingency fee | 30% – 40% of winnings | Lawyer paid a portion of your award |
| Flat fee | $15,000 – $25,000+ | Set fee for specific work or a straightforward case |
| Retainer fee | $8,500 – $15,000+ | Upfront payment; replenished as used |
Other expenses
Many lawyers charge extra fees if a service falls outside of the terms in their contract. This could include copying documents, traveling, and recording depositions. Serving legal papers costs $40 to $100 per job. This ensures the person you're suing is aware of the lawsuit.
Defamation or slander lawsuit FAQs
Is defamation a crime?
Defamation is a civil matter in most places, not a criminal offense. Lawsuits are brought in civil court, and the guilty party owes damages, not jail time.
Can you go to jail for defamation of character?
In the United States, defamation does not result in jail time. It is considered a tort, which is a wrongful act that results in civil liability. Resolution in these cases comes through damages or an order from a civil court, not prison.
Is slander a crime?
Spoken and written defamation (slander and libel) are civil, not criminal, offenses in most jurisdictions. Legal remedies may include compensation and orders to remove or retract the statement but not imprisonment.
What to look for in an attorney
Follow these tips when looking for a civil law attorney near you:
Request a breakdown of estimated total fees for your specific case.
Look at reviews from former clients on Lawful and Google.
Learn what tasks they bill hourly and what expenses fall under flat fees.
Ask if your situation might allow for early settlement or alternative dispute resolution.
Check if the attorney has handled similar cases and what the final costs and results were.
Questions to ask an attorney
Have a list of questions ready for any consultation and make sure your attorney's experience and pricing structure fits your needs.
How much do you estimate this case will cost, including possible trial and settlement scenarios?
What experience do you have with defamation cases similar to mine?
What steps can we take to minimize expenses and maximize effectiveness?
Will you handle the entire case, or will other attorneys be involved?
How do you communicate about progress and billing?
What is your approach to uncontested versus contested cases?
What strategies can help avoid going to trial?
Are punitive damages realistic for my case?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.