Invasion of privacy is a tort that allows the aggrieved party to initiate a lawsuit against the party who unlawfully intrudes on their private affairs, publicizes a false truth or discloses private information. Typically, it’s rights outlined in the 1st, 4th and 14th amendments that were violated. Defamation of character occurs when someone makes a false statement that causes some type of harm. The statement must be heard by others and result in harm, usually to the reputation.
The Four Invasion of Privacy Categories: Attorney Michael G. Sribnick, MD
You can file a claim for one of these four main invasion of privacy categories:
- Intrusion of Solitude – This type of invasion of privacy includes electronic or physical invasion of one’s personal space. It includes photographing personal information and hacking into emails.
- Public Disclosure of Private Information – When news is published that is not considered newsworthy or may have been offensive to a reasonable person, an invasion of privacy may have occurred.
- False Light – This invasion of privacy occurs when a perpetrator casts someone in a negative light with malice to cause emotional harm.
- Appropriation of Name – It’s illegal to use someone else’s name for personal gain. Using someone else’s name without consent in an advertisement would constitute an invasion of privacy claim.
Defamation of Character Claims: The Law Office of Michael G. Sribnick, MD
Defamation of character claims are very fact specific. Attorney Michael G. Sribnick, MD is experienced in handling defamation claims and will know what types of facts to cultivate to prove your case. He will show that there has been a statement that meets the criteria for being defamed, including the statement being published, false, injurious and unprivileged.
Since the whole point of defamation law is to take care of injuries to reputation, it must be shown that that a person’s reputation was hurt. Examples include being shunned by neighbors or friends, losing a job or getting harassed by the press. And while the mainstream public has protection under defamation law, public officials have far less protection.