Angry Words Result in a Slander Lawsuit: What It Means and How to Defend Yourself

We’ve all said things we regret in the heat of the moment. But what happens when those words are more than just hurtful—they spark a lawsuit? If someone has accused you of slander (spoken defamation), claiming your words damaged their reputation, you may be facing serious legal consequences. A slander lawsuit isn’t just about hurt feelings—it’s about alleged harm to someone’s personal or professional reputation, and it can result in significant financial liability.

So what exactly is slander? What does the person suing you need to prove? And how can you defend yourself if you’re being taken to court for something you said?

Here’s what to know if angry words lead to a slander claim—and what you can do to protect yourself.

Step 1: Understand What Slander Is (And What It Isn’t)

Slander is a type of defamation—specifically, when someone makes a false, spoken statement that harms another person’s reputation.

It differs from libel, which is defamation that occurs in written or published form (like in a blog post or social media post).

For a statement to be considered slander, the person suing you (the plaintiff) must typically prove these key elements:

1. You made a false statement of fact—not opinion
2. The statement was communicated to someone else (a third party)
3. The statement caused harm to the plaintiff’s reputation
4. You made the statement negligently or maliciously

Statements that are opinions, hyperbolic, or not verifiably false typically do not qualify as slander.

Step 2: Don’t Panic—But Take It Seriously

Being sued for slander can feel frightening and overwhelming. You might feel unfairly targeted, especially if you didn’t mean to harm anyone. Still, it’s important to:

• Remain calm and collected
• Avoid contacting the person suing you unless advised by a lawyer
• Preserve any evidence, including messages, recordings, or witness accounts
• Avoid repeating the statement or discussing the case publicly

Even if the claim feels frivolous, the lawsuit could still cost time, money, and stress—so take it seriously from the start.

Step 3: Consult a Defamation or Civil Defense Attorney

Defamation law is complex and state-specific, so don’t try to handle this alone.

An attorney can:

• Review the complaint and advise on the strength of the case
• Draft your formal legal response
• Help you build a defense strategy (more on that below)
• Negotiate with the other party
• Represent you in court if necessary

If you can’t afford an attorney, check if you qualify for legal aid services, or contact your state bar association for resources.

Step 4: Explore Valid Defenses to a Slander Claim

There are several legal defenses to a slander lawsuit that may result in the case being dismissed or decided in your favor. Common defenses include:

A. Truth

The strongest defense in any defamation case. If what you said was factually true, it is not slander, no matter how damaging or upsetting it was.

B. Opinion

If your statement was clearly a personal opinion, such as “I don’t think she’s trustworthy,” rather than a statement of fact, it may be protected under the First Amendment.

C. Privilege

Certain statements are protected in specific contexts:

• Absolute privilege (e.g., statements made during legal proceedings)
• Qualified privilege (e.g., employment reviews, police reports made in good faith)

D. Lack of Harm

Even if your words were false and spoken to someone else, the plaintiff must show actual harm—such as lost income, loss of job, damaged business reputation, or emotional distress.

E. No Negligence or Malice

If the statement was made by mistake, without malicious intent or recklessness, it may not meet the legal standard for slander.

Your attorney will help you determine which defense (or combination) applies to your situation.

Step 5: Respond Properly to the Lawsuit

Once served with a lawsuit, you must respond within a certain deadline—often 20 to 30 days. Failing to respond can result in a default judgment against you.

Your response may include:

• A formal answer denying the allegations
• A motion to dismiss (if the lawsuit lacks legal basis)
• A counterclaim if you believe the lawsuit is retaliatory or abusive

Never ignore legal paperwork or assume it will go away on its own.

Step 6: Consider Settlement (But Only If It Makes Sense)

Depending on the situation, your attorney may recommend trying to settle the case out of court—especially if:

• The lawsuit has weak claims but would be costly to fight
• You did say something inappropriate and want to resolve it
• The other party is open to a private resolution

Settlements often involve:

• A written apology
• Agreement to not repeat the statement
• Financial compensation (in some cases)

Settlement doesn’t always mean admitting guilt—it can be a practical, less expensive alternative to a lengthy trial.

Step 7: Prepare for Court (If the Case Proceeds)

If the case goes to trial, your attorney will help you build and present your defense. Be ready to provide:

• Documentation or recordings that support your side
• Witnesses who can attest to the context or falsity of the claim
• Evidence showing lack of harm or lack of malice

You may also bring in expert witnesses (e.g., character witnesses, psychologists, or media analysts) depending on the case’s complexity.

Courts consider the context of what was said, how many people heard it, and what actual consequences resulted. If your statement was impulsive, isolated, or lacked impact, the court may dismiss or reduce any penalties.

Step 8: Learn and Move Forward

Whether you win, lose, or settle the case, take time to reflect and learn:

• Watch how you communicate—especially in public, online, or during emotional situations
• Avoid making public statements about people that could be perceived as factual unless you have evidence
• Consider media or defamation insurance coverage if you're in a public-facing profession (e.g., journalism, PR, content creation)

Words matter, and in today’s world of screenshots and social media, they live longer than we think. But being sued doesn’t mean you’re doomed—it just means you need to stand up for your rights and approach the issue strategically.

Final Thoughts

Being accused of slander is serious—but you’re not without defenses. In most cases, you can challenge the claim by showing the truth, the absence of harm, or the lack of malice. With the help of a qualified attorney, you can protect your reputation, your finances, and your freedom of speech.

Everyone says things they regret. The key is to know how to handle the consequences, defend your intentions, and protect your future.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

If you’re facing legal questions, safety concerns, or emotional turmoil due to any of the situations described above—especially domestic abuse—don’t try to handle it alone. Professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and your next steps are clear. Whether you need legal advice, help with documentation, or assistance navigating local resources, speaking to an expert can bring peace of mind. Click here to get connected with professional support tailored to your situation.