Legal Question in Business Law in California

americans with disabilities act

i opened a business to help developmentally disabled. after receiving tacet approval at my church and by the state agency to rent a room from the church, 4 people in the church got together and decided that they would attack me at church and by gossip in town by stating i was a money launderer, fraud, fraudulent business practices, thief, lier, immoral, unethical, let alone demonic. they continue to say these things in public and in church causing the business and me personally great harm. i eventually moved the business out of the church but the attacks continue. e mails are written to my church superior almost daily attacking me, my husband, etc. how do i protect the disabled, the business, my husband, my church and myself? i am the pastor. can you imagine if i were anyone. and i make only a salary as i set up a board and made the business non-profit. my concern is for the church, my reputation and my ability to get further help for the disabled.


Asked on 5/27/02, 9:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lubna Jahangiri Law Offices of Lubna K. Jahangiri

Re: americans with disabilities act

Sounds like you have a cause of action for defamation, both libel (written defamation) and slander (oral defamation). In fact it sounds like it is slander per se, i.e. damages will be presumed by the court and you do not have to prove that you are damaged if the slander is directed towards your business, trade office or profession.

You can sue for damages for their past defamation and can seek an injunction to stop them from doing so in the future. However, it is advisable to consult an attorney in your area and present the specific facts of your case in detail.

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney�s individualized advice for you. By reading the �Response� to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. Pursuant to California Rules of Professional Conduct rule 1-400(d)(4), this communication is intended as a solicitation for legal services.

Read more
Answered on 5/27/02, 6:25 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in California