What kind of damages must a plaintiff demonstrate to recover for slander?

To recover for slander, a plaintiff must demonstrate special damages, which involve showing specific economic harm that resulted from the slanderous statement. In slander cases, unlike libel, the injury is often not apparent without clear evidence of loss. Thus, the plaintiff typically must provide proof of actual financial detriment, such as loss of business, clients, or reputation, directly linked to the defamatory statement.

In certain circumstances, if the slanderous statement falls under the category of "slander per se" — which includes statements that falsely accuse someone of a crime, indicate that someone has a contagious disease, or harm a person in their profession or trade — the plaintiff may not need to prove special damages explicitly. However, the general standard for slander involves showing the impact of the defamatory statement on the plaintiff's life and finances.

In contrast, general damages, punitive damages, and the absence of damages do not sufficiently meet the requirements for a successful slander claim. General damages refer to non-economic harm, which in slander cases does not suffice on its own. Punitive damages, intended to punish the wrongdoer rather than compensate the victim, also require a foundation of actual damages. Finally, claiming no damages undermines the basis for a