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Defamation Laws in West Virginia

How long you have to sue for libel or slander in West Virginia, and any retraction rules, from the state code.

Short answer: In West Virginia, a lawsuit for libel or slander (defamation) must generally be filed within one year. W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(c); Wilt v. State Auto. Mut. Ins. Co., No. 24579 (W. Va. 1998)

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)In West Virginia, a lawsuit for libel or slander (defamation) must generally be filed within one year. The limitations statute does not name defamation, but the state Supreme Court of Appeals has held that libel and defamation fall under the one-year catch-all for personal actions that would not survive a party's death at common law.
Court opinion: https://www.courtswv.gov/sites/default/pubfilesmnt/2023-11/24579.pdf
Source: W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(c); Wilt v. State Auto. Mut. Ins. Co., No. 24579 (W. Va. 1998)

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FAQ

How long do you have to sue for defamation in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, a lawsuit for libel or slander (defamation) must generally be filed within one year. The limitations statute does not name defamation, but the state Supreme Court of Appeals has held that libel and defamation fall under the one-year catch-all for personal actions that would not survive a party's death at common law.

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.