In addition to helping injured people in personal injury, car accident, and medical malpractice matters throughout the Roanoke Valley and Virginia, Munro Byrd represents clients in defamation cases on both sides of the “v.”—bringing actions to vindicate reputations unreasonably defamed, and defending those accused of defamation.
In a recent defense engagement, we obtained dismissal of a defamation lawsuit filed against our client.
Strategic Demurrer Practice
After evaluating the complaint, we identified several pleading and substantive deficiencies that we could argue as legal and factual defenses: the statements at issue were true; the alleged defamatory words were not pled in haec verba (verbatim); as required under Virginia practice; and that certain requested relief—such as fees and costs—was not recoverable.
We filed responsive pleadings, including a “demurrer” (a motion to dismiss the lawsuit) asserting failure to state a sufficient legal claim under Virginia law.
At the hearing, the Court agreed, found the complaint defective, and sustained the demurrer, ultimately dismissing the case—resulting in a complete victory for our client.
Our Defamation Practice
Munro Byrd regularly handles defamation matters in Roanoke City and surrounding jurisdictions for both plaintiffs and defendants.
If you believe you have been defamed, or if you are facing a defamation claim, contact us for a case evaluation.
Jurisdictions Served
We litigate throughout Virginia, including Roanoke City and County, Montgomery County (Christiansburg, Blacksburg), Lynchburg, Abingdon, Martinsville, Rocky Mount, Wytheville, Bedford, Covington, Harrisonburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Lexington, and Staunton, as well as in rural localities such as Bath, Campbell, Giles, Craig, Smyth, Alleghany, Pulaski, Franklin, Campbell, Carroll, Patrick, Floyd, Stuart, Pittsylvania, Henry, and Wythe Counties.
We also appear in Virginia federal courts, including divisions in Roanoke, Abingdon, Danville, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Alexandria, and Richmond.
Results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case, and we cannot guarantee similar outcomes.