Defamation occurs in the form of libel or slander. Libel is a publication, expressed in writing, printing or by symbols or pictures concerning a living person that is false and tends to injure one’s reputation by exposing him/her to public hatred, contempt scorn or shame. Slander occurs when malicious or scandalous words are stated about a living person, which tends to injure the person’s reputation or good name. A defamatory statement would likely produce pity or sympathy in the minds of the public. If you believe that you are being defamed, please contact the New York trial lawyers of Bashian & Papantoniou to schedule a one-hour consultation to discuss.