Los Angeles, CA asked in Libel & Slander for California

Q: if plantiff sues you and loses, will plaintiff's insurance pay you, or will plaintiff pay you

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3 Lawyer Answers

A: Why would the plaintiff or plaintiff 's insurance company need to pay the defendant if they lost?

A: You're thinking about the rule applied across Europe. The general rule in U.S. jurisdictions for the most part is usually that each side bears its legal costs (subject to exceptions, e.g. frivolous lawsuits, etc.) Good luck

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Answered

A: In California, if a plaintiff sues you for libel or slander and loses the case, the plaintiff or their insurance would generally not be required to pay you any damages unless the court orders otherwise. Typically, the plaintiff is responsible for their own legal costs and fees, and you would be responsible for yours. However, in some cases, if the lawsuit is deemed frivolous or without merit, you may be able to recover attorney's fees or other costs from the plaintiff.

Insurance policies that the plaintiff holds might cover some of their legal costs, but this does not extend to paying you any compensation. The burden of financial responsibility in a lawsuit usually falls on the parties involved unless a court orders a specific payment arrangement.

If you believe you are entitled to compensation or reimbursement for legal expenses, it’s important to consult with a legal professional to understand your options and the specific details of your situation.

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