Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia

Liability for Lawn Sign Libel

I bought a house from a builder who insisted we pay $1500 extra dollars at closing for illegitimate ''extra expenses'' that were not on the contract. Because we had a significant emotional investment in the house, in addition to sunk costs related to the loan, we bought the house.

I plan to complain to the Better Business Bureau, in addition to another creative idea:

On days when the subdivision the builder is developing has ''open houses'' I plan to display a large sign on my lawn that says ''[The Builder] cheated us out of $1500. He will cheat you too!''

How vulnerable to libel would I be? Is there a way I could alter the wording to insure against the charge?


Asked on 11/16/01, 11:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Hugh Wood Wood & Meredith

Re: Liability for Lawn Sign Libel

Well, I dont have time in this response to go through NYTimes v. Sullivan or Gertz v. Welch. However, you are on thin ice with your sign. Truth is a defense, but I wouldn't rely on it. Sue him; write a letter to the local editor; file a complaint with the BBB, but your sign is a bad idea. However, its your life and your money. LIBEL - Published material meeting three conditions: The material is defamatory either on its face or indirectly; The defamatory statement is about someone who is identifiable to one or more persons; and, The material must be distributed to someone other than the offended party; i.e. published; distinguished from slander.

See, http://www.lectlaw.com/def/l032.htm

Hugh Wood

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Answered on 11/17/01, 6:21 pm


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