So, as you feared, the worst has happened. You've turned on your mobile device, and there it is - the slander or libel that you were hoping wouldn't arise from your latest brush with the media. 

You're panicked and uncomfortable - and the timing could not be worse. The truth is, there's never a good time to receive news that you're under siege. Before you wave your white flag and feel defeated, here's some good advice to prepare you for any kind of public defamation. 

• Know the facts. When there is fake news circulating around about you, it's important that you know exactly what's being said and by whom. Before you can begin to rectify the damage or hold someone responsible, it's important to know who's saying what. Sometimes this is easy enough to find out either through a known media outlet, but on more free-form platforms it can be difficult to discern.  

• Get ahead of the rumors. Everyone knows that playing defense will only get you so far, and sometimes it's important to get out in front of the ball. Once you've identified the source and the misinformation, get in front of it and find a way to make a public statement - either utilizing your social media or by involving the press to get control of the narrative. 

• No such thing as bad press. Though it doesn't feel good in the moment, the attention your business is getting is going to roll in now that the damage is done. Because you've gotten in front of it and made a statement, you can now start to turn the rudder and push your business in a new direction with previously untapped clientele now acutely tuned in because of the bad press. If there is news circulating about your business - this is the time to plug your best deals and to reinstill confidence in your clientele.

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• Issue a statement. This is the part where we tell you, you need a lawyer. As confident as we are that you have a way with words - the public tends to respond to a legal voice of reason differently than that of a layperson. You can reach out to the slanderer and request for them to desist but they may not have much incentive to stop their false reporting.  They will, however, have a great deal of concern receiving communications from an attorney. If you find yourself in a situation where your company's image is being tarnished, you should contact your lawyer and arrange for them to send a Cease & Desist Order to the person or entity generating the rumors.  

• Review your case. An attorney has the ability not only to understand and defend the laws broken in your defamation - but they are also able to give you a general overview of what you stand to win or lose if the defamation continues and places continuous strain on your business after an issuance of a C & D. Schedule a sit down with your attorney to review your options, and to strategize how you will approach the incoming affront.  

• Prepare to file, and to fight. After you've reviewed your strategy, things get kicked into high gear. This won't be a cost-less endeavor and during the time you strategize, you should estimate costs associated with attorney fees, pain and suffering, stock losses, any lost contracts or negotiations, and of course include any and all travel, filing, and associated costs into your demands. 

• Attempt to resolve without litigation. If at all possible - though litigation can be very exciting - avoid it. Litigation can be not only costly but lengthy and neither cost or time effective for either party. If at all possible - opt for mediation or arbitration as these options allow for a more concise time frame and lower overhead. 

• Let your attorney take the reigns. At a certain point, if the entity harassing your business, or defaming your character has not chosen to discontinue their slanderous behavior - it is usually best to remove yourself and any personal attachments from the equations and allow your attorney to do your fighting for you in court. The emotional strain can take a toll, and once it's got a docket number - your lawyer can focus on the numbers and facts - while you manage the daily responsibilities of your still-functioning business.

• Invest in mental health. The toll of public slander can be severe. If the libel or slander is directed at you or anyone in your organization specifically, it can be very important to connect with a mental health professional to mitigate some of the fallout. Though it can feel very personal, once it has become a legal matter, if it's not managed it will remain personal.  If individual cognitive therapy is not realistic or time-effective, group therapies aimed at supporting those nurturing trauma from defamation may prove to be deeply impactful and life-saving. 

• Take advantage of FREE offerings to protect yourself. If you're concerned that there may be someone attempting to slander you - as the business owner - or your business itself - pick up and call + 1 708 531 1740 to set an appointment to consult with The Evans International Law Firms, LLC to formulate a plan of action on how to approach and respond to any libelous comments. Ultimately every company has one asset more valuable than cash, bonds, or even gold: reputation. Protect your company's reputation by taking advantage of this FREE limited time offer to speak to an attorney about your options when your most valuable asset is under attack. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our firm, and for entrusting us with your most important legal needs. We aim to exemplify legal excellence. Have a comment? Suggestion? Please send an e-mail to admin@teilfirms.com to let us know how we can serve you, our community, best.

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