Your reputation is invaluable. If you suspect you have been subject to defamation, swift and timely action is necessary to prevent any major fallout. False statements can harm your personal or professional standing, and we can help you restore your credibility.
At Cochrane Leahy Litigation, we understand the complexities of defamation law.We use our legal expertise to help individuals and businesses protect their reputations. Led by Richard Leahy, a seasoned Brisbane defamation lawyer with over 27 years of experience, we are committed to delivering pragmatic, effective solutions for defamation claims and defences.
A news outlet publishes unverified claims, harming your professional integrity.
A colleague or employer makes untrue claims, impacting your career.
False, damaging statements spread online, affecting personal or business credibility.
We handle all types of defamation cases, from personal disputes to complex corporate defamation litigation. Our expertise allows us to efficiently assess claims and pursue the most effective legal strategy, whether through negotiation or court action.
Online platforms often facilitate defamatory statements that can spread rapidly. We act swiftly to remove harmful content and seek legal remedies, including damages, retractions, and takedown orders, to safeguard your reputation against online harm.
If you are facing a defamation lawsuit, we provide robust defence strategies, ensuring your rights are protected under Australian defamation laws. We assess the validity of claims against you and develop a strong defence, leveraging legal exceptions such as truth and qualified privilege when applicable.
We assist businesses and individuals impacted by false media statements, working towards public retractions, damages, or legal resolutions. We engage with media outlets and publishers to correct misinformation and pursue legal remedies if necessary to protect your professional reputation.
A cease-and-desist letter can effectively stop ongoing defamation before litigation is necessary. We draft strong, legally sound notices to demand immediate action, including the removal of defamatory content and a formal apology where applicable, helping you resolve disputes quickly and efficiently.
Richard has acted as a defamation attorney for over 20 years. He has represented clients in various defamation matters, achieving favourable outcomes for both plaintiffs and defendants.
Whether you need to initiate a defamation claim or defend against one, our team has extensive experience on both sides of defamation disputes.
We provide clear, straightforward legal advice with a strong cost-benefit focus, ensuring clients receive top-tier legal services without unnecessary expenses.
Our track record of successful defamation claims and defences speaks for itself. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
Defamation occurs when false statements are published or spoken, causing reputational damage. To prove defamation, you must demonstrate:
– The statement was published to a third party.
– The content was false and defamatory.
– The statement caused serious harm to your reputation.
In Queensland, defamation claims must be filed in Court within one year of the publication date. However, in special circumstances, this period may be extended.
Defendants in defamation cases may rely on defences such as:
– Truth (Justification): If the statement is proven true, it is not defamation.
– Qualified Privilege: Statements made in certain professional or legal settings may be protected.
– Honest Opinion: If the statement is clearly an opinion rather than a factual assertion, it may not be defamatory.
If you have been defamed, you may be entitled to:
– Monetary compensation for damages.
– Public retractions or corrections.
– Injunctions to prevent further defamatory statements.
As your defamation lawyer in Brisbane, Richard will meet with you and provide comprehensive case assessments, helping you understand the strength of your claim and the best course of action.
Where possible, we will explore negotiation, mediation, or settlement to resolve disputes cost-effectively.
If court action is necessary, we offer strong legal advocacy, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the litigation process.
Yes, Australian defamation laws allow individuals and some businesses to sue for defamation of character. If you believe a false statement has damaged your reputation,we can advise and represent you.
The three primary elements of defamation law are:
We provide tailored legal strategies to help you navigate defamation claims and defences effectively.