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Starting a defamation claim

Starting a defamation claim often marks the beginning of what could become a long and intense process. In the UK, more than 90% of defamation cases settle before they reach trial. This might sound reassuring, but it also shows how important it is to run your case properly from the very beginning. The key to staying within that 90% lies with thorough preparation and strong strategy. There is nothing wrong with taking a case you believe in through a full trial. Many claimants do, and they win.

But most people prefer a well-timed settlement because it saves stress, time and cost while giving them all they wanted from the outset. An apology, an acknowledgment of the wrongdoing done to them, compensation for the defamation and cover for most of their legal costs in having to take the defamation case to court in the first place. A positive settlement down the line becomes far more likely when your case is built with care, supported by solid evidence and presented in a way that places real pressure on the opponent from the very start of the defamation proceedings.

That pressure comes from good legal merits, but also from understanding how people behave when faced with a strong claim. At Cohen Davis, we have taken many defamation cases to court, usually acting for claimants, and we have secured successful outcomes almost every time. Some cases settle early. Others settle much later on and a few we have won following a trial.

This record stems from having the correct focus on the outcome our clients are seeking rather than on the litigation itself. If you are thinking about starting a defamation claim, you should book a consultation with us as early as possible. We offer a fixed-fee initial consultation where we provide thorough legal advice and an honest early assessment of your case. This should give you clarity and peace of mind, and a good ground for making your early decisions about a potential defamation claim.

What is the difference between harassment and defamation in English courts

05 December 2025 | Tamar Cohen | Social Media Defamation

If I am both harassed and defamed online, which claim is best to bring

If you are harassed and defamed online you will find there are many similarities between defamation and harassment. Yet, English law treats them in very different ways. Social media often joins the two together, because harmful posts can damage a person’s reputation and also create a pattern of behaviour that causes distress. The intention of the perpetrators might also be to cause both types of harm to the victim at the same time. For a victim, the challenge comes from knowing which cause of action may offer the stronger remedy and which legal route the courts may expect you to follow.

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Affordable Norwich Pharmacal Order - NPO

20 August 2022 | Super User | Disclosure and discovery of anonymous internet users

Discover how to unmask someone who defames you on the internet with a Norwich Pharmacal Order - NPO at reasonable costs 

If you are a victim of defamation on the internet and the identity of those who defame you is concealed, obtaining a Norwich Pharmacal Order (NPO) could be a crucial step in uncovering who is behind the defamatory actions. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining an NPO, explaining what it is, the specific requirements you must meet, and how it can be used to reveal the identities of anonymous individuals or entities involved in wrongdoing. We'll also address the challenges and costs associated with NPOs and highlight how our experienced team at Cohen Davis Solicitors can offer a more affordable and efficient service to help you navigate this complex legal process.

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Disclosure and discovery
Business defamation
Legal action for defamation
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