By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Civil Litigation | Shin Law Office
Cyberbullying & Emotional Distress in Broadlands | Civil Action Lawyer
The general perception of bullying is that it occurs in the schoolyard.
The reality today is it’s just as likely to happen in a group chat, on a social media post, or across a phone screen late at night.
I have clients here in Broadlands who have been subjected to crippling emotional trauma as a result of someone feeling the need to shame, threaten or harass them online.
And here’s what I always tell them: You don’t have to take it.
You have legal options—and in some cases, you can take civil action for the harm they caused.
I’m Anthony I. Shin, a tort attorney based in Loudoun County, and I help people fight back against online abuse when it crosses the line into harassment, defamation, or emotional trauma.
What Does Cyberbullying Look Like Today?
Cyberbullying isn’t always obvious.
It can take many forms:
- A cruel post that spreads false or damaging rumors
- Fake accounts are created to harass or impersonate someone
- Screenshots of private messages shared without consent
- Repeated messages meant to intimidate, shame, or humiliate
- Group chats where a person is targeted or excluded
- Online stalking or digital threats
What makes cyberbullying so harmful is that it follows you home.
It’s public, permanent, and incredibly personal.
For both teens and adults, it can lead to real emotional pain—anxiety, depression, sleepless nights, and, in some cases, self-harm.
When Does Cyberbullying Become a Legal Issue?
Not every hurtful comment is illegal. But when the abuse causes real psychological harm or includes false and damaging statements, it can rise to the level of a civil tort—something you can sue for in court.
In Loudoun County, I’ve helped clients pursue legal claims such as:
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
- Defamation (Libel or Slander)
- Invasion of Privacy
- Harassment or Stalking
- False Light or Public Disclosure of Private Facts
The key is proving that the behavior was not just mean—it was malicious, reckless, or deeply negligent, and that it caused you measurable harm.
What Can You Recover in a Civil Claim?
If the court finds that someone’s actions caused you emotional distress or damaged your reputation, you may be able to recover:
- Medical or therapy expenses
- Lost income (if you had to miss work or leave school)
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your reputation
- Punitive damages in extreme cases
I also fight to have harmful posts or content removed when possible and to stop the harassment from continuing.
“Online abuse may feel invisible to the rest of the world—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. And I’ll take it seriously—even if no one else has.”
Why Talk to a Lawyer in Broadlands?
These types of cases are emotionally challenging and legally complex.
Schools, social media platforms, and even law enforcement often brush them aside.
However, civil law offers a different path—one that focuses on your harm, your healing, and your right to be left alone.
If you or your child are being targeted online, don’t wait.
Let’s talk privately.
I’ll listen without judgment, help you understand what the law says, and walk you through what taking action could look like.
You’re not overreacting. You’re standing up for yourself—and I’ll stand with you.
Reach out today for a confidential consultation.
Call Shin Law Office at 571-445-6565 or book online today!
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
