Defamation Lawsuit Wroclaw – Protecting Reputation and Seeking Justice

Kancelaria Płatek > Defamation Lawsuit Wroclaw – Protecting Reputation and Seeking Justice

A person’s or company’s good name is often built over many years but can be destroyed in a short moment through slander or libel. Because of its importance, reputation is protected by law. In cases of defamation, victims may seek redress through the courts. While it is useful to know the basics of such proceedings, it is always better to entrust your case to experienced attorneys or legal advisors. If you are considering initiating defamation proceedings in Wroclaw, Kancelaria Płatek invites you to cooperate.

Slander and Libel – What’s at Stake in a Defamation Lawsuit?

Polish law provides two primary paths for victims of defamation to assert their rights:

Civil route – seeking compensation or damages for violation of personal rights. This may include financial compensation or a public apology.

Criminal route – filing an indictment under the Criminal Code. In this case, victims can also use the police to secure evidence, particularly when slanders occur online.

At the same time, it is advisable to collect and preserve your own evidence – for example, by keeping screenshots of defamatory content. Importantly, civil and criminal courts operate independently. A civil court judgment is not binding on a criminal court and vice versa. Obtaining damages in civil court does not necessarily mean a criminal conviction, and a conviction does not automatically guarantee compensation.

Insult vs. Defamation

When does offensive speech amount to defamation? It is essential to distinguish between insult and defamation: Insult – statements that undermine dignity but are not made publicly. They are directed solely at the offended person, without witnesses. Victims in such cases are individuals only. Defamation (slander/libel) – false statements made publicly, damaging a person’s or entity’s reputation and undermining the trust necessary for a profession, business, or activity. Defamation can also apply to institutions, companies, or organizations.

The Basic Form of Defamation

Under the Polish Criminal Code, defamation is defined as slandering conduct or qualities that may lower a person in public opinion or risk the loss of trust required for a position, profession, or activity. It is not necessary for the defamer’s words to cause actual harm. It is enough that they could potentially damage reputation or trust.

Defamation may take verbal, written, or even graphical form. For the basic type, perpetrators face fines or restrictions of liberty. These cases are considered to have lower social harm.

Defamation Lawsuit and Higher Social Harm

Polish law also recognizes a qualified type of defamation, involving greater social harm: This occurs when slander is spread via mass media such as press, radio, television, or the internet (social networks, forums, websites). Penalties include fines, restrictions of liberty, or imprisonment of up to one year.

Courts may also impose additional measures, such as:

ordering monetary compensation for the victim,
requiring payment to a social cause,
or publicizing the contents of the judgment to provide reputational reparation.

Who Can Commit Defamation?

Defamation is a universal offense – anyone can commit it. It is typically prosecuted by private indictment, which means the victim must file the charges independently in order for the offender to stand trial. However, in exceptional cases involving public interest, prosecution may be initiated by the public prosecutor.

When Is It Not Defamation?

Not every unpleasant statement qualifies as defamation. You cannot sue or prosecute someone if:

the allegation was made privately, without public disclosure,
the statement was true,
criticism referred to the conduct of a public figure, not to their personal traits or qualities.

Truthful statements, even if unfavorable, are not considered defamation. Exceptions apply only if the allegation relates to private or family life and is justified by a need to protect life, health, or prevent harm to minors.

Defamation Lawsuit – Lawyer Wroclaw

Defamation cases are legally complex and emotionally difficult. Below are answers to common questions regarding defamation litigation.

When Is a Defamation Lawsuit Worth Filing?

The law protects personal and corporate reputation for a reason. Public opinion can have a profound effect on professional and social activity, particularly in professions of public trust. A defamation lawsuit in Wroclaw may be especially necessary for journalists, politicians, social activists, or public figures when slander damages their ability to perform their roles.

How to Sue for Defamation?

Defamation is prosecuted by private indictment filed by the victim. A complaint can also be submitted to the police, who will forward it to the relevant court. While templates exist, preparing a strong indictment is best handled by a specialist attorney.

How to Prove Defamation?

To prove slander under Article 212 of the Criminal Code, the following evidence may be used online posts, messages, or comments, oral statements made in the workplace or public settings, witness testimony, recordings, or documents.

Does Defamation Expire?

Yes. The statute of limitations in defamation cases is:

1 year from the moment the victim becomes aware of the perpetrator,
no later than 3 years after the act was committed.

Why Work with a Specialist in Defamation Lawsuits?

Both drafting an indictment and proving liability in court require solid preparation. Legal procedures are complex, and professional representation significantly increases the chance of success.

At Kancelaria Płatek in Wroclaw, our attorneys:

guide clients through every stage of defamation proceedings,
build strong, evidence-based arguments,
act quickly to limit reputational damage,
ensure transparency and efficient communication.

Each case is assigned to a lawyer specializing in defamation law, ensuring expert support tailored to the client’s situation.

How Long Does Defamation Case Last?

The duration of defamation proceedings varies – simple cases may be resolved within a few months, on the other hand complex cases – may take years, especially when large amounts of evidence or multiple witnesses are involved. Appeals can extend the process further. Regardless of duration, we approach each case with full commitment, striving to secure the fastest and most favorable outcome for our clients.

Lawyer and Legal Advisor in Wroclaw – Support in Defamation Proceedings

Defamation belongs to a sensitive and emotionally charged area of law. In many cases, what matters most is quick resolution, so that reparations (such as a public apology) have the strongest possible effect. At Kancelaria Płatek, we work flexibly, creating individual strategies for each case. Clients can rely on:

an assigned specialist with experience in defamation cases,
ongoing access to case information,
proven legal procedures,
professional, prompt, and effective action.

Defamation cases involve not only legal but also emotional harm. Protecting intangible assets like reputation requires experienced support. With our knowledge and commitment, we help clients regain confidence and achieve justice.

Kancelaria Płatek invites you to cooperate – entrust your case to specialists in defamation lawsuits in Wroclaw.

The range of our activities presented is indicative, please note that each case is individual. Feel free to contact us, we will certainly find a solution for you.