Legal Question in Personal Injury in Ohio

Was this libel and defamation?

I was an active volunteer and member of animal rescue organization for approx. a year and a half. Jan. 2004 I took the office of 2nd V.P for this organization. I had several disagreements with the President and ended up resigning from all volunteer activities on 2/21/04. My annual membership was due 2/29/04. I mailed a check to renew my membership. Though I disagreed with some things happening within the organization, I wanted to continue to be a member, not an active volunteer. My membership renewal was denied by the Board of Directors. I sent an e-mail to the people I had volunteered with, telling them I was no longer a member and would not be seeing them at meetings, etc. The President then sent an e-mail to the same people. It was very mean, vindictive and totally unprovoked. She basically trashed me, the volunteering I had done for over a year and related things I had said to her, took them out of context and made me look like a terrible person.

I feel this person ruined my reputation and credibility with everyone associated with this organization. Did she commit libel? Did she defame my character and reputation?

Thanks so much,

Pat Robinson


Asked on 3/05/04, 9:02 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Janet Ziulkowski Ziulkowski & Associates, P.L.C.

Re: Was this libel and defamation?

Possibly. However, it is impossible to analyze whether the comments were defamatory without reading the statements. I offer free consultations and would be happy to sit down and discuss this with you. Call me at 586-979-7302 or visit the firm website at www.ziulkowskilaw.com. Good luck

Janet Ziulkowski

586-979-7302

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Answered on 3/05/04, 12:31 pm
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Was this libel and defamation?

I would have to see exactly what was said. Libel cases are extremely difficult to win because there is something called qualified immunity that people have within an organization to render an opinion, plus the fact that so much that is said is merely opinion and not fact. If someone says you rob banks it is actionable. If someone says you are evil, it is not. See? Anyway, if you want to let me see the statements, I would be happy to. In the meantime, you can always start your own rescue organization. Bill Stern 248-353-9400

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Answered on 3/05/04, 12:59 pm


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