How to Write an Apology to Mitigate Libel Damages
There are a number of cases in which you might see that despite your hard work, you have given a statement which is termed as not true and has in effect damaged the claimant’s reputation and that the claimant might likely get a penalty for damages. In the above mentioned case, you have the option to write an apology so that the award of damages is less severe. Mitigation means that the judge or jury might think about the situation in which you made the wrong statement and it certainly do not mean that the penalty is reversed. There are a lot of ways to write an apology to mitigate libel damages.
Instructions
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1
Pen the apology immediately
Be aware of the fact that you need to write the apology as soon as possible if you get to know that the statement you made is not correct. The sooner that you acknowledge your mistake and change your statement rightly, the less damage you will incur on the plaintiff’s reputation. On the other hand, you can also remove the spectre of libel if you apologise right at that instant before the damage has been unleashed. -
2
Correct the error in the same place
Make sure you apologise in a reputed place where the initial statement was cast. This suggests that if the wrong statement was covered as front page news, the apology must also come where the exact amount of people can see the new update. This is also relevant and applies if the statement was made on the radio or television.
For instance, if you made the statement publicly, the retraction should be done there as well. Moreover, it is important to be honest in the retraction. If you depended on information that you considered reliable but it turned out to be false, then tell this to the judge when you write the apology. You will be given space if you are honest and help to mitigate libel damages. -
3
Make the apology before the situation gets worse
You need to write the apology before the judge knows that the statement was false. If you are yet to visit court. Write the apology as it will work in your defense by accepting liability. Find law provides a lot of information on what constitutes libel and what does not. As a result of this, be careful before pursuing any course of action and consult a friend or expert.
