Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida
liable or slander
I have a horse who got very ill a while back. The owner of a feed store called the sheriffs office to state that my hrose was abused (reguardless that I have 3 others that were in perfect health). After the sheriffs office did the investigation and deemed it unfounded this person kept feeding the officer more info to make him suspicious, and telling people at the feed store that he didnt believe that the horse was ill just neglected. I own a pet sitting service and he has said this to some of my clients and has negitively impacted my business do I have any course of action to stop this person?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: liable or slander
False statements of fact can be pursued. Opinions, however, may not be. It depends on what was said to whom and whether they believed it and you were damaged as a result.
Re: liable or slander
You may indeed have a claim for defamation. Claims against you in your business may constitute defamation per se. Loss of customers may make your damages higher in any litigation. If you would like a further consult, please contact my office.