Making a defamation claim is always a stressful experience, whether you’ve been subject to libel, slander or malicious falsehood. Our Birmingham team advises on evidencing your claim and the most tactical approach in your situation.
Under the Media Pre-action Protocol and the Defamation Act 2013, acting early can give you access to a broader range of options. Our Defamation Solicitors can also act in your defence if a defamation claim has been brought against you.
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What This Involves
Reaching this point is rarely comfortable. Defamation claims take several forms under English law, each with its own threshold and potential defences.
Your Confidence, Our Commitment
Our Approach
Initial consultation
Discuss the statement, where it was made, and who saw it. Our team will identify whether there is a libel, slander or malicious falsehood claim, and advise you on the most appropriate first action.
Assessing the threshold
We assess whether the serious harm, actual damage or malice threshold is met, what evidence is available to support or challenge it, and whether urgent remedies and damages claims are needed.
Pre-action strategy
We prepare or respond to letters before action in line with the Pre-Action Protocol, setting out the words complained of and the harm caused.
Resolution or litigation
We negotiate a resolution where possible, or act through injunction proceedings and litigation where a claim needs to be brought or defended.
Meet the Team
Qarrar Somji
Director and Solicitor-Advocate
Qarrar leads complex civil litigation including High Court matters.
Jasia Kazmi
Trainee Solicitor
Jasia advises on libel and slander claims, reputation protection, and defamation disputes for individuals and businesses.
Get Defamation Advice in Birmingham
Defamation claims are subject to a one-year limitation period, so delay can narrow your options.
You can seek advice from our local team whether you are bringing a claim or defending against one. Get in touch for an initial consultation.
0300 303 2071
Mon - Fri 8:30 - 5:30
or email us at info@witansolicitors.co.uk
FAQ
How long do I have to bring a defamation claim?
You generally have one year from the date of publication to bring a defamation claim, running from first publication under the single publication rule. Delay can weaken your case and narrow your options, so early advice matters.
Can I claim for something posted online or on social media?
Yes. Online statements, including social media posts and reviews, can support a libel claim if they meet the serious harm threshold. Where the poster is anonymous, we can advise on steps to identify them and remove the content.
What if the person suing me says my statement was true?
Truth is a complete defence to defamation under section 2 of the Defamation Act 2013, meaning the claim fails if you can show the statement was substantially true. We advise on the evidence needed to prove this.
Does Witan act for people defending a defamation claim?
Yes. We advise both claimants bringing a claim and defendants responding to one, including businesses accused of defamatory reviews or statements about competitors, from the first letter through to trial if needed.
How much does defamation advice cost in Birmingham?
Costs depend on the complexity of your case and whether it settles early or proceeds to court. We discuss likely costs at your initial consultation so you can weigh them against the value of your claim.
How does defamation affect a business’s trading reputation?
We advise businesses on quantifying reputational and financial harm, choosing between defamation and malicious falsehood, and whether urgent remedies are needed alongside a damages claim. This applies equally to trading disputes and online reviews.
What defences can someone accused of defamation raise?
The Defamation Act 2013 sets out four main defences: truth, honest opinion, public interest publication, and privilege for parliamentary or judicial proceedings. Each turns on different evidence, and we’ll advise on which applies to your case.
What is the Pre-Action Protocol for defamation claims?
Before a claim is issued, the Media and Communications Pre-Action Protocol requires both sides to set out the words complained of, the meaning alleged, and the harm caused. We manage this correspondence from your first letter onwards.
What can I do if an anonymous person defames me online?
Where a publisher is anonymous, we may apply for a Norwich Pharmacal order, a court order forcing a platform to disclose an anonymous user’s identity. This will help us identify publishers so that content can be removed. Time limits run from first publication.
This page was last reviewed by Jasia Kazmi, Defamation Team, July 2026. Our defamation content is reviewed every six months to ensure it reflects current legislation, case law and market practice.
Witan Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA 605789). You can view the firm record on the SRA register, and Witan publishes its complaints procedure online.