Complete guide to suing for defamation of character. Elements of proof: (1) A false statement purporting to be fact, (2) Publication or communication to a third party, (3) Fault amounting to at least negligence, (4) Damages. Types of damages: Economic damages include lost wages, business losses, and medical bills. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of reputation. Some states allow punitive damages for malicious defamation. How to prove your case: Save screenshots, gather witnesses, document the spread of the false statement, and quantify your damages. PettyLawsuit helps you build your defamation case with demand letters and court documents. Start in 5 minutes for $29. Most defamation disputes settle after receiving a formal demand letter.