What kinds of damages can a person recover in a defamation lawsuit?

In a defamation lawsuit in Virginia, a person can seek damages from the person or entity that made the defamatory statement. The types of damages that can be recovered depend on the circumstances of the case. Compensatory damages are awarded to compensate the plaintiff for any losses that he or she has suffered because of the defamatory statement. These can include monetary compensation for lost wages or medical expenses, or damages for damage to reputation. In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages. This type of damage is not to compensate the plaintiff, but instead is to punish the wrongdoer. Punitive damages are meant to deter the defendant from engaging in similar conduct in the future. Other types of damages that may be sought in a defamation lawsuit are known as "nominal damages." This type of damage seeks to compensate the plaintiff for the harm that he or she has suffered, even if the amount of damages sought is relatively small. Nominal damages are also meant to vindicate the plaintiff’s legal rights, even if the amount of money sought is relatively small. Finally, the court may also grant injunctive relief. This type of relief does not involve the awarding of money, but instead is an order from the court requiring the defendant to take certain actions, such as preventing the further publication of a defamatory statement. Injunctive relief is often sought in cases where the plaintiff believes that the defamatory statement will continue to be published if not stopped by the court.

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What kinds of damages can a person recover in a defamation lawsuit?

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