What can I do if a former business associate is going around my town wrongfully saying that I almost ruined his business and hurting my business reputation?
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What can I do if a former business associate is going around my town wrongfully saying that I almost ruined his business and hurting my business reputation?
The first time I heard about it, it didn’t bother me because I know the truth, but this morning he said it again to a colleague if mine. Can I sue?
Asked on May 19, 2014 under Personal Injury, Oregon
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
If it is an untrue statement of fact which damages your reputation, and not merely a negative opinion, then you may be able to sue for defamation--but it must be a factual statement, since people are entitled to their opinions, no matter how hurtful. So, for example:
* Saying that you lost a large account, when you did not; or failed to do a proposal by a deadline, when you did not; or you withdrew money from the business for personal use, when you did not--those would be untrue factual statements, and so could be defamation.
* But saying you were "a lousy" manager or "lazy" and that's what hurt the business is an opinion, and is not something you could successfully sue over.
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