What to do if a person makes a false statement to a large group of people which was an attack on my company’s reputation as well as my own?
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What to do if a person makes a false statement to a large group of people which was an attack on my company’s reputation as well as my own?
How can this man be made to stop? It is only a handful of members out if a membership of over 300 members. The community is made up of 1400 residents. I live in this active adult community and as we know words like these spread quickly and can effect my livelihood.
Asked on March 9, 2013 under Personal Injury, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If a false factual statement which damages your reputation, or that of your business, if made to other people, that may be defamation; if it is defamation, you could potentially sue for monetary compensation and/or for court order directing the person to stop doing this. Bear in mind that opinions, however, no matter how negative, are not defamation and are not actionable. For example:
* Person A says that your company bribed a local government official to get a contract, or violates safety regulations--assuming you do not do these things, that is a false factual statement and may be defamation.
* Person A says that he thinks that you are untrustworthy and that your company's product or service is badly overpriced for what you provide--that is an opinion, and you can't do anything about it.
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